On Tuesday the Springdale City Council considered a proposal permitting public drinking throughout much of the city’s downtown area.
The council reportedly opted not to make a decision on the ordinance until a future meeting in order to give the public more time to comment on the proposal.
The public drinking proposal is expected to appear on the agenda for the council’s August 11 meeting.
Act 812 of 2019 by Sen. Trent Garner (R – El Dorado) lets cities create “entertainment districts” where alcohol can be carried and consumed publicly on streets and sidewalks.
These districts can be permanent or temporary, under Act 812.
Public drinking districts have been proposed and authorized in multiple cities and towns around Arkansas since Act 812 passed last year.
Springdale’s proposed ordinance would permit public drinking throughout much of downtown from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM seven days a week.
You can read a copy of the proposed ordinance here.
As we have said time and time again, public drinking is a scourge on the community.
It raises serious concerns about drunk driving and public safety.
Public drinking doesn’t attract new businesses or bolster the economy.
It hurts neighborhoods and families.
That’s why Family Council has put together a free toolkit to help citizens oppose these public drinking districts.
Our toolkit contains talking points, information about problems public drinking has caused in other states, photographs of public drinking districts elsewhere around the country, and other resources you can use to fight public drinking in your community.
