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Johnson City sets 1 a.m. last call for on-premises alcohol sales in public-safety ordinance
Summary
The commission approved ordinance 49-25-25 to set a 1 a.m. last call (clearing tables by 1:15 a.m.) for on-premises alcohol sales as a public-safety measure; supporters called it a compromise and cited recent late-night incidents, while opponents warned of revenue and workforce impacts for small businesses.
The commission considered the third and final reading of ordinance 49-25-25, a public-safety initiative to limit on-premises alcohol sales to 1 a.m., with table clearing by 1:15 a.m. Staff presented data showing increases in certain crime categories for the month referenced and framed the measure as a risk-mitigation step; the ordinance does not require businesses to close, only to end alcohol service at the stated hour.
Supporters among the commissioners described the 1 a.m. last call as a compromise between earlier proposals and stronger restrictions. One commissioner said the change is "a compromise" and noted the decision followed over a year of public discussion; others said recent fatalities and rising counts of DUIs, weapons and violent crimes in July motivated action.
Opponents and some commenters said the change could harm small businesses and bar employees and urged trialing 2 a.m. before reducing hours further. Commissioners reiterated the ordinance affects only last call and does not mandate business closures or operational model changes.
On roll call, the commission recorded a majority vote in favor and adopted the ordinance. The transcript records individual roll-call responses (Yes/No) from commissioners; the motion passed and, per staff, the ordinance becomes effective after publication in the local newspaper (approximately two weeks) and completion of the required legal posting and notification processes.
