Report says last call ordinance in Johnson City produces drop in crime categories

Johnson City’s police chief Eric Dougherty says he’s encouraged by recent statistics showing incidents like aggravated assault, DUI, disorderly conduct, and drug violations all experienced decreases since city council approved the last call ordinance that bans the on-site sale of alcohol between the hours of 1 and 10 a.m.

Assaults were down by 58 percent compared with 2024, according to the report, for the downtown areas and citywide. Sexual assaults were down by 44 percent, and weapon violations during the period decreased by 37 percent.

Some business owners have complained about the ordinance driving away business and causing drastic drops in profits, including the Little Magic bar that estimates their losses at $364,000 over the past year.

(IMAGE: Property of Pexels / Denisa Susca)