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

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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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