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HB 1361

Alcoholic Beverages - As enacted, authorizes Johnson City to set the hours that licensees within a downtown district designated by the municipality are authorized to sell or give away alcoholic beverages. - Amends TCA Title 57.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Becky Jo Alexander

Johnson City gains authority to set alcohol sales hours for businesses in its downtown district, enabling local control over operating times for licensed establishments.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 181
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Bill Summary · HB 1361

Legislative bill overview

HB 1361 grants Johnson City, Tennessee the authority to establish specific operating hours for alcohol sales and distribution within a designated downtown district. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 57 (which governs alcoholic beverages) to allow municipal-level control over licensing hours rather than applying statewide uniform regulations.

Why is this important

This legislation affects local businesses in Johnson City's downtown area by potentially allowing extended or restricted hours for alcohol service, which can influence nightlife, tourism, and revenue. It represents a shift toward municipal autonomy in regulating alcohol commerce, allowing cities to tailor policies to their specific community needs and downtown development strategies.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. uniformity: Some may argue that allowing municipalities to set their own hours creates inconsistent regulations across the state, while others view it as appropriate local governance
  • Business impact: Establishments in the designated downtown district face potentially different operating rules than competitors elsewhere, raising fairness concerns or competitive advantages depending on the hours chosen
  • Enforcement complexity: Variable hours by district may create administrative burdens and confusion for licensees and law enforcement compared to statewide standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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