TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) Texarkana is one of several Arkansas cities considering creating designated areas where outdoor drinking will be allowed following the passage of a new state law that changes alcohol regulations.
The Texarkana Gazette reports that the Arkansas Legislature this week approved a bill that waives existing rules prohibiting public drinking within entertainment districts. A spokesman for Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he’ll sign the bill into law.
Texarkana City Manager Kenny Haskin says city staff will present plans for an entertainment district to the Planning Commission next week.
Haskin says entertainment districts across the country have helped rejuvenate cities, spur economic growth and improve cities’ images.
George Dodson is the co-owner of Hopkins Icehouse, a downtown bar. He says the change could help draw more entrepreneurs downtown and improve the area’s nightlife.
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