SPRINGDALE — Closing time for Springdale bars was pushed back Tuesday to 2 a.m. after the City Council approved changes to go into effect immediately.
The council approved the change in closing times for businesses with beer and light wine permits, as well as those with mixed-drink permits. The new times would match state regulations and the closing times of other cities, including Fayetteville.
“This will really help our business,” said Silvia Greenwood, owner of Fatty Hackers sports bar. Greenwood had asked the city to change the laws.
The council also approved an emergency clause that would cause the law to go into effect immediately.
Previously, Springdale required alcoholic beverage sales to stop at 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and midnight Saturday and Sunday. Businesses in other cities, such as Fayetteville, could stay open later. People were leaving her bar at closing time to drive to Fayetteville for drinks, Greenwood said. The change levels the playing field between the cities, she said.
“It will keep people from driving back and forth from city to city,” Greenwood said.
Businesses with on-premise mixed-drink permits may now serve until 2 a.m. each day. Businesses with a beer and light wine permit will have to stop serving at midnight Saturday and 1 a.m. the other six days.
During previous committee meetings, Greenwood told aldermen that she had followed state laws regarding her hours, not realizing city laws were more restrictive.
The ordinance would not affect liquor stores, said City Attorney Jeff Harper.
Arkansas, Pages 24 on 11/25/2010