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Johnson City approves first reading to limit alcohol sales to 1 a.m. in downtown district
Summary
On July 17 the City Commission voted to approve on first reading Ordinance 49-25-25, which would set last-call for alcohol sales at 1 a.m. within a defined downtown boundary; supporters cited public-safety data and opponents warned of economic harm and urged enforcement alternatives.
Johnson City commissioners voted in favor of the first reading of Ordinance 49-25-25 on July 17, beginning a two-reading process that would set last-call for alcohol sales at 1 a.m. in a defined downtown district. City Manager Kathy Ball told the commission the change is being recommended for “public safety.”
The measure will return for a public hearing on Aug. 7 and a final vote on Aug. 21 if the commission proceeds on schedule. If adopted, the ordinance would prohibit the sale of alcohol past 1:00 a.m.; the ordinance text as presented says tables would be cleared at 1:15 a.m., but does not order bars to close.
Why it matters: Staff and some commissioners said the change responds to a rise in late-night violent incidents downtown. Ball told the commission that, using the city’s defined incident categories, “if you look at the hours between 12 a.m.…
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