LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — This summer, a new law goes into effect that would allow bars and restaurants across the state to sell alcoholic beverages that people could take with them.
The law also allows street closures in areas where public drinking is allowed, but it could be a while before those measures are implemented in the River Market.
Although that law goes into effect in July, the City of Little Rock would still have to pass an ordinance allowing public drinking in the River Market. Ideally, business owners said they would like to see those changes this summer during the peak of tourism season, but it’s not looking like that’s going to happen.
“It can’t even legally go into effect until the end of July, so I would think that at the very earliest it would be August so maybe late late summer or early fall at the earliest.”
Daniel Bryant operates several bars in the River Market District. He says along with other business owners, he eventually plans to submit a proposal to the city council, but that proposal is still in its early stages.
“Look where this is working well and see what’s not working and try to apply that here, as opposed to reinventing the wheel.”
He says an ordinance that allows people to consume alcohol on the street would attract more visitors to the city.
“The reason for this isn’t necessarily to benefit the bars and restaurants themselves, it’s to allow the city of Little Rock to compete with other cities nearby.”
It’s an idea that Logan Garrett who works at Nexus Coffee bar in downtown.
“Having that freedom, having that option is of use to enjoy multiple activities in an evening,” Garrett said.
Although that law is meant to attract more tourism, officials say they’re still trying to find a way to implement it while keeping the River Market a safe place.
“I know everyone thinks about Bourbon and Beale Street but that’s not the goal here, it’s to enhance the experience downtown.”
Garrett says ideally that same ordinance will allow the closure of the busiest streets downtown. “It’ll be much safer for pedestrians."
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"I’ve been down here late at night, vehicles, it’s ramped and hectic and I think that if that’s an option to have, of no vehicles, it’s going to be a lot safer, a lot more attractive for tourists and locals alike to enjoy downtown Little Rock.”
Again, there isn’t a timeline for a proposal to be submitted.
Little Rock Police said when an ordinance is passed they will increase patrol to accommodate the increase of foot traffic.