On Monday a measure expanding alcohol delivery in Arkansas failed receive enough votes to pass in the state senate.

Generally speaking, state law did not make it possible for stores to deliver alcohol directly to people’s homes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers first enacted alcohol delivery legislation following COVID lockdowns.

S.B. 98 by Sen. Breanne Davis (R — Russellville) and Rep. John Maddox (R — Mena) expands alcohol delivery in Arkansas.

The measure expands the list of stores that can deliver alcohol to include grocery stores, small farm wine convenience stores, and retail beer sellers. The bill also lets delivery companies obtain permits to deliver alcohol to consumers on behalf of the stores.

Currently, retailers are directly responsible for ensuring all alcohol deliveries comply with state laws — including laws against delivering to minors. S.B. 98 shifts liability from the retailer to the delivery service.

Right now, retailers have accountability in following alcohol laws. Under S.B. 98, alcohol deliverers may not have the same amount of oversight or accountability — which, for example, could increase the likelihood of alcohol being delivered to a minor.

As we have written before, alcohol is already readily available in Arkansas. Any law expanding its strength, availability, or consumption raises serious concerns about DUI offenses, crime, public health, and public safety.

That is why Family Council generally opposes the expansion of alcohol in Arkansas.

Although S.B. 98 failed to pass on Monday, the measure could be brought back up for another vote in the future.

The Following Senators Voted FOR S.B. 98

  • J. Boyd
  • J. Bryant
  • Crowell
  • B. Davis
  • J. Dismang
  • J. English
  • Flippo
  • Hester
  • Irvin
  • M. Johnson
  • G. Leding
  • M. McKee
  • Stone
  • D. Sullivan
  • D. Wallace

The Following Senators Voted AGAINST S.B. 98

  • A. Clark
  • Dees
  • S. Flowers
  • Gilmore
  • Hickey
  • Hill
  • F. Love
  • J. Payton
  • C. Penzo
  • Rice
  • J. Scott
  • G. Stubblefield

The Following Senators Did Not Vote

  • Caldwell
  • J. Dotson
  • K. Hammer
  • B. Johnson
  • B. King
  • R. Murdock
  • J. Petty
  • C. Tucker