Johnson City Officials Extend Alcohol Sale Limits Citywide

Johnson City officials are moving to restrict on-premise alcohol sales hours citywide, extending a previously proposed ordinance that would have limited sales after 1 a.m. only in the downtown district. This decision follows feedback from business owners and community members who requested a more consistent and equitable application of alcohol sales regulations across all commercial zones. After consulting with state officials and legal experts, city leaders confirmed that Tennessee law permits regulating alcohol sales hours in all business and commercial zoning districts, not just downtown. The amendment will be considered in the upcoming City Commission meeting and does not require a new set of readings since it aligns with previous proposals. Meanwhile, in another locale, bar owners have proposed extending liquor sales until 2 a.m. to increase business hours and revenue, although local authorities have yet to receive a formal proposal and will continue enforcing existing liquor and sobriety ordinances. Both cases illustrate ongoing local government efforts to balance public health, business interests, and community input regarding alcohol sales regulations.