New lawsuit seeks to shut down Memphis liquor store The Station

Buster's owner and others file Chancery Court case against recently opened high-end store

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A coalition of stores opposed to the new high-end liquor store The Station in East Memphis have filed a new lawsuit in Chancery Court seeking to review and rescind the Memphis Alcohol Commission's January decision to grant a certificate of compliance, which allowed The Station to obtain a liquor license from the state and begin selling alcohol in late February.

Why it matters

The opening of The Station has been controversial, with existing liquor stores in the area concerned about increased competition from the new high-end retailer. This latest lawsuit represents an ongoing legal battle over The Station's ability to operate in the Memphis market.

The details

The lawsuit was filed on March 7 by a group that includes Buster's Liquors & Wines, one of the largest liquor store chains in the Memphis area. The plaintiffs are asking the Chancery Court to review and ultimately rescind the January 7 decision by the Memphis Alcohol Commission to grant The Station a certificate of compliance, which then allowed the store to obtain a liquor license from the state and begin selling alcohol on February 17.

  • The Station began selling liquor, wine and beer on February 17, 2026.
  • The Memphis Alcohol Commission granted The Station a certificate of compliance on January 7, 2026.
  • The new lawsuit was filed in Chancery Court on March 7, 2026.

The players

Buster's Liquors & Wines

One of the largest liquor store chains in the Memphis area and part of the coalition that filed the new lawsuit.

Ethan Edwards

The owner of The Station, the new high-end liquor store in East Memphis that is the target of the lawsuit.

Memphis Alcohol Commission

The local regulatory body that granted The Station a certificate of compliance in January 2026, allowing it to obtain a liquor license.

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What’s next

The Chancery Court will review the case and decide whether to rescind the Memphis Alcohol Commission's decision to grant The Station a certificate of compliance.

The takeaway

The opening of The Station liquor store in East Memphis has faced significant opposition from existing liquor stores in the area, leading to an ongoing legal battle over the store's ability to operate in the local market.