Allegheny County DA moves to revoke Capo’s bar liquor license
PITTSBURGH —
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala announced his office is preparing a petition to revoke the liquor license of Capo’s bar, a South Side establishment previously investigated as a nuisance bar in July 2025.
“I’ve directed my office to prepare a petition, and we’re going to take a shot at taking their license,” Zappala said.
The announcement followed police apprehending Larry Pappy Johnson, who was wanted for the rape of a woman in a parking lot on the South Side.
“She’s let out of the establishment by security. They don’t take care of her. She winds up in the hands of a rapist,” Zappala said.
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The assault occurred on the night of Aug. 7. According to police, the victim ordered a 52-ounce fishbowl drink at Capo’s and became intoxicated. She later told police the next thing she remembered was waking up at UPMC Mercy, missing her keys, purse, phone and Apple Watch. The victim was allegedly removed from the establishment due to visible intoxication.
“They didn’t protect her. They removed her from the establishment, put her out in the community, and a rapist grabs her,” Zappala said.
Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reached out to Capo’s bar for comment regarding these statements but did not receive a response.
Zappala also mentioned other South Side establishments during his announcement. He highlighted behavior at Linx but said no petition has been filed at this time.
Additionally, he noted that detectives have been in contact with the owners of Twelve Whiskey BBQ regarding their Sunday night operations and proximity to residential properties.
“So we’ve asked them as a sign of good faith to reduce the operating hours on Sunday,” Zappala said.
Zappala stated the petition against Capo’s could be filed as early as Friday and said his next steps include speaking with Mayor Corey O’Connor.
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