Legislation Filed Expanding Alcohol in Arkansas

Alcohol,

Multiple bills have been filed this legislative session expanding alcohol in Arkansas.

For example, 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 chances of alcohol being delivered to a minor.

H.B. 1173 by Rep. Matt Brown (R — Conway) and Sen. Scott Flippo (R — Bull Shoals) amends the definition of “beer” in Arkansas code to include malt beverages and increases the legal alcohol content in beer from 5% alcohol by weight to 14%.

Under this measure, beer could contain nearly three times as much alcohol as it currently does. That could make stronger alcoholic drinks more widely available in stores and other locations where beer is currently sold across Arkansas.

At this point, alcohol is 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.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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City of El Dorado Temporarily Reinstates Public Drinking for New Year’s Eve Block Party

Alcohol, Public Drinking,

The El Dorado News-Times reports the El Dorado City Council has voted to temporarily reinstate public drinking in an “entertainment district” for an upcoming New Year’s Eve block party.

In 2019 lawmakers passed Act 812 letting cities create “entertainment districts” where alcohol can be carried and consumed publicly on streets and sidewalks. These districts can be either permanent or temporary under the law.

Following passage of Act 812, El Dorado became one of the first cities in Arkansas to establish an entertainment district. However, this year the city council voted unanimously to shut down public drinking due to ongoing problems with fighting, vandalism, and other disorderly behavior in the district.

Now the El Dorado City Council has opted to create a temporary “entertainment district” where public drinking will be allowed on December 31.

As we have said for years, 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, bolster the economy, or revitalize Main Street. It hurts neighborhoods and families. It simply does not belong in Arkansas’ communities.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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