Former Arkansas Congressman Opposes Alcohol at Little Rock Park

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Photo Credit: City of Little Rock.

Former Arkansas Congressman Vic Snyder says he opposes a proposal to allow alcohol sales at Little Rock’s River Mountain Park.

In an opinion-editorial published in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Thursday, Snyder writes, “I am opposed to any kind of beer or alcoholic beverage sales at River Mountain Park.”

Snyder says a privately owned kayak and bike rental facility that operates on the park’s property has applied to sell beer for consumption at nearby tables. Snyder says that while he wants the rental facility to be successful, “alcohol and water sports do not mix.”

Snyder writes,

Many Arkansans and their families like having outdoor recreation without the presence of alcohol sales on our park property. Is it any great hardship for folks who want a beer to drive up to Cantrell Road? What’s wrong with supporting businesses that pay market rates for leases, water, electricity, plumbing, sewer, restrooms and rest-room maintenance?

Whatever you think, please let Little Rock officials know your views. And comments with an original signature can be mailed or dropped off at Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control, 101 E. Capitol, Little Rock 72201. Our recreation along the Arkansas River is too important not to be openly discussed.

We have written many times about how public drinking has been a problem in Arkansas.

In 2019 El Dorado became one of the first cities in Arkansas to authorize public drinking in an entertainment district. However, last year, the city council voted unanimously to shut down the district due to ongoing problems with fighting, vandalism, and other disorderly behavior.

As Snyder points out, authorizing alcohol in Little Rock’s River Mountain Park would have serious consequences for the area.

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

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North Little Rock to Weigh Public Drinking Proposal

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The North Little Rock City Council will consider a proposal to permit public drinking in its Argenta District daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Act 812 of 2019 by Sen. Trent Garner (R – El Dorado) and Rep. Sonia Barker (R – Smackover) 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 proposals have cropped up across the state in recent months.

The Fayetteville City Council voted last week to allow public drinking, but city board members in neighboring Siloam Springs recently rejected a public drinking proposal.

As we have said many times, 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.

Click here to download our free toolkit.

Photo Credit: Welcome to North Little Rock, Arkansas by Jimmy Emerson, DVM on Flickr.

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Fort Smith City Directors to Review Public Drinking Proposal

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The Fort Smith Board of Directors will study a proposed ordinance that would let the city authorize public drinking during special events at its study session meeting on Tuesday, March 10.

Act 812 of 2019 by Sen. Trent Garner (R – El Dorado) and Rep. Sonia Barker (R – Smackover) 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.

The proposed ordinance in Forth Smith would create two semi-permanent public drinking districts in town.

The districts would ordinarily be inactive, but they could be activated during special events with approval from city officials — meaning public drinking could be authorized during festivals and other events in Fort Smith.

As we have said time and 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.

Click here to download our free toolkit.

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