CONWAY -- The University of Central Arkansas board approved a lease for an on-campus restaurant planning to sell alcohol.
The lease with Mosaique Bistro and Grill was approved Friday on a 6-1 vote with board member Kay Hinkle voting against it and retired minister James Davis of Conway speaking against allowing alcohol sales on campus.
Hinkle said afterward she voted no because of a university policy against serving liquor on campus.
"I think it has the possibility of opening up some problems for us. Hopefully, it won't," she said.
Davis said he believes UCA's purpose is education, not to be in business.
"Do we need a place here at UCA, where our young people come to live away from home the first time -- 17, 18, 19 years old -- do we need a place where they can have access to alcohol? Do we really need that?" Davis asked.
The restaurant will offer what it describes as a full-service bar where a "strict (identification) policy will be adhered to and enforced at all times."
University President Tom Courtway described the restaurant as "upscale," and noted alcohol is served in a restaurant setting at a hotel on the University of Arkansas' Fayetteville campus.
The restaurant will be in Donaghey Hall, a four-story, two-building development under construction with completion expected by fall 2016.
Courtway said having a nice restaurant in addition to the fast-food eateries already on campus would complement the university and be aimed at adults in the community.
"This is certainly not an attempt to promote alcohol" on campus, Courtway said, while pointing out other nearby businesses that serve alcohol.
"Bear's Den is across Farris Road; it's about 150 steps . from one of our residence halls already," he said. "We also have (The) Draft on Dave Ward Drive, which is right across the road from our campus."
Other businesses in the building will include the Blue Sail Coffee shop, Uncle T's Deli-Market and Grocery, and Textbook Brokers Inc. while the top three floors of the hall will provide housing for UCA students who are sophomores and above.
NW News on 08/23/2015