Understanding Arkansas Liquor Permitting: Insights on SB3 Section 2
Consumers vs Residents -- Liquor Permitting
Bill Title: An Act To Prohibit Discrimination Or Preferential Treatment By The State Of Arkansas And Other Public Entities; And For Other Purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Dan Sullivan, Rep. Mary Bentley
Committee: House State Agencies, 10 a.m. Feb 3
Section 2 of Senate Bill 3 (SB3) significantly alters how liquor permits are issued in Arkansas. This section removes essential rules that protect local communities from being overrun by large liquor chains and instead focuses solely on 'benefits for consumers.' However, this section is misaligned with the main theme of the bill, which addresses discrimination. Moreover, it undermines your right to voice concerns about your community.
How Does SB3 Section 2 Take Away Your Rights?
Your Community Loses Its Voice:
Currently, the state evaluates whether a new liquor store could harm local businesses or disrupt community harmony. SB3 Section 2 eliminates this critical protection. What does this mean? Large liquor chains can enter your neighborhood without considering the needs or concerns of residents, effectively silencing your voice in local matters.
Tourists Get More Say Than You Do:
While SB3 Section 2 emphasizes 'benefits for consumers,' many of these consumers are tourists—individuals who don’t reside here and won’t face the long-term consequences of increased liquor stores. As a result, tourists get cheaper drinks and more options, but you end up with more liquor stores in your community, regardless of your preferences. Your voice is muted, while outsiders dictate local choices.
How Does SB3 Section 2 Indirectly Discriminate?
Recovering Alcoholics (Disability):
For those recovering from alcoholism, the presence of more liquor stores in the community can complicate their journey to sobriety. SB3 Section 2 disregards their needs, prioritizing profit over public health. Consequently, recovering alcoholics encounter more triggers and fewer safe spaces in their own neighborhoods.
People Who Don’t Drink for Religious Reasons:
Numerous Arkansans abstain from alcohol due to religious beliefs. SB3 Section 2 forces additional liquor stores into their communities, which can conflict with their values. This results in religious communities losing control over the types of businesses that operate in their areas, undermining their way of life.
Adults Aged 18-20:
While adults under 21 cannot legally consume alcohol, SB3 Section 2 prioritizes the interests of alcohol consumers over theirs. This age group finds itself without a voice in shaping their community. Consequently, young adults are left with fewer community spaces that meet their needs, as businesses increasingly focus on alcohol sales.
Why Does This Matter for Tourism?
Arkansas is a beloved tourist destination, known for its local charm. However, if SB3 Section 2 passes:
Tourists will have more influence over liquor permits than you.
Local businesses that contribute to the uniqueness of our towns could be overshadowed by large chains.
Your community’s character could diminish, rendering Arkansas less appealing to visitors in the long run.
What Can You Do?
Reach out to your state legislators and urge them to remove SB3 Section 2. This section is irrelevant to a bill focused on discrimination!
Advocate for your community’s rights. Don’t allow outsiders to dictate what’s best for your neighborhood.
Inform friends and neighbors about how SB3 Section 2 strips away your voice.