AR HB1387

Private club permit applicants in dry territories must submit either a city resolution (if premises are within city limits) or county quorum court resolution (if premises are outside a city but within the county) authorizing the application.

Cities with populations greater than 23,000 are exempt from the resolution requirement.

If a city governing body or county quorum court does not make a finding of fact within 60 days of the applicant's petition, the applicant may submit an affidavit stating this fact along with a copy of their petition to proceed.

Local governing bodies must consider specified factors when deciding whether to issue a resolution, including the number of existing private clubs, traffic concerns, nearby alcohol permits, economic impact, law enforcement availability, law enforcement input on public peace effects, and public comments.

Applicants denied a resolution may appeal to circuit court within 30 days, where the court must make findings of fact on the same factors and may authorize the permit application if it determines the club would serve public convenience and advantage.