Tennessee § 53-7-216 - License required for the operation of an establishment — Application.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-7-216 — License required for the operation of an establishment — Application., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-7-216. License required for the operation of an establishment — Application.
No person shall maintain an establishment for the slaughtering of livestock or poultry or the processing of livestock, deer, or poultry without first having secured a license from the department of agriculture and having paid all inspection and license fees. Each separate business location shall be licensed, and the license shall not be transferable. Any person desiring a license shall make written application to the commissioner, stating the information required by the commissioner. Upon receipt of the application, the department shall make an examination and inspection of the establishment, and if it is found to be in a sanitary condition and to conform to the requirements of this part and of the regulations promulgated pursuant to this part, the commissioner, upon receipt of the license and inspection fees provided in § 53-7-219, shall issue a license authorizing the applicant to carry on the establishment for the slaughtering of livestock or poultry or the processing of livestock, deer, or poultry. The license shall be valid for the remainder of the calendar year for which it is issued. Acts 1967, ch. 99, § 16; T.C.A., § 52-930; Acts 2007, ch. 421, §§ 17, 18. Compiler's Notes. Acts 2007, ch. 421, § 20 provided that the commissioner of agriculture is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of the act. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 53-7-216
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-7-216 cover?
Section 53-7-216 ("License required for the operation of an establishment — Application.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 53-7-216?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-7-216" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 53-7-216 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.