Capones in JC files lawsuit against city over “last call” ordinance

Capone’s, a downtown Johnson City bar, has filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming city leaders orchestrated state legislation in order to pass the ‘last call’ ordinance. The Johnson City Commission gave final approval on the ordinance in August 2025. The ordinance prohibits on-premise alcohol sales after 1 a.m. The lawsuit states Capone’s has experienced “irreparable harm” as a result of the last call ordinance, losing a substantial portion of its weekly revenue over the law change. The lawsuit is only seeking to revoke the ordinance, and no financial damages are expected to be filed or collected.