AR SB492

Amends Arkansas Code § 3-2-206 to exempt designated entertainment districts from rules prohibiting possession of alcoholic beverages outside of licensed establishments where they were purchased.

Modifies Arkansas Code § 5-71-212(e) to allow consumption of alcoholic beverages within the physical boundaries of a designated entertainment district as an exception to public consumption restrictions.

Creates new section 14-54-1412 defining "designated entertainment district" as a contiguous commercial area containing restaurants, bars, music venues, theaters, art galleries, distilleries, or similar establishments.

Authorizes cities, municipalities, and incorporated towns that collect gross receipts taxes on prepared food or hotel and motel accommodations to establish permanent or temporary designated entertainment districts by ordinance.

Requires municipalities creating designated entertainment districts to set reasonable standards for alcohol possession regulation within district boundaries and notify the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division within 10 days of creating or removing a district designation.