I’m currently enjoying some time in the proud State of Tennessee, home of country music, Rock n’ Roll  and the Blues. It’s one of my favourite States, a fine place to visit and not just because of its rich music legacy. It is a place of rolling, beautiful countryside, spectacular mountains and great slow moving rivers like the Tennessee River, the Cumberland and of course the Mighty Mississippi.

Tennessee is also home to some pretty strange laws. Even though the famous Jack Daniels whiskey is distilled exclusively in the small town of Lynchburg, Tennessee it is not possible to actually buy the stuff in the town since the county where it is situated, is dry. If a county is “dry” it means that the public sale of alcohol is unlawful!

Throughout the whole State anybody wishing to purchase alcohol from a liquor store must be aged 21 or over and must produce personal id whatever their age. There are no exceptions; no id, no sale. It applies to many bars too. I know, it has happened to me several times and it’s a long, long time since I was the age of 21!

However, it’s comforting to know that even if you cannot purchase any alcohol it is still legal and perfectly acceptable for you to carry your gun into the bar provided it is concealed in your pocket or handbag and you are in possession of a gun permit. Like I said, pretty strange!