City leaders and officials in Rogers are weighing whether or not to permit public drinking in some parts of town, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
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 has been authorized in a few cities and towns around Arkansas — including El Dorado, Texarkana, Mountain Home, Springdale, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Sherwood, Little Rock, and North Little Rock — since Act 812 passed last year.
Leaders in Rogers reportedly are considering whether or not to allow public drinking in the southwest part of the city near the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion and Pinnacle Hills Promenade mall.
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.
Arkansans ought to stay away from any proposal that would legalize public drinking in their communities.
