Tenn. Code § 57-3-219
If, a smaller city located in a county having a population in excess of five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, retained its charter when the metropolitan form of government was adopted in such county;
If, such city later by action of its governing body abolishes its charter and by such action becomes a part of the general services district of such county having a metropolitan form of government; and
If, while the charter of such smaller city was in existence, licenses were issued for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages for off-the-premises consumption; then:
Notwithstanding any provision of the charter of such metropolitan government to the contrary, licenses may continue to be issued for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages for off-the-premises consumption for those stores which were located within the municipal boundaries of the city while the charter was in force even though, once the charter is abolished, such area will be designated as being included in the general services district of such county.
T.C.A. § 57-3-219