Article by Emily Wang, White River Now
During a regular Southside City Council meeting Tuesday, members discussed and approved a proposal to permit alcohol sales in local restaurants, with public comments revealing a spectrum of opinions.
While Mayor Ray Bowman and other council members emphasized potential economic benefits, some residents voiced concerns about the societal impact of introducing alcohol sales in the dry area.
Bowman acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter, noting that the council rejected a similar proposal five years ago. Las Playitas, a Mexican restaurant formerly located in Southside, moved to Batesville, where it now serves alcohol.
Bowman cited the difficulty restaurants face in sustaining revenue without alcohol sales.
“We are competing against other cities — Jonesboro, Searcy…places that weren’t wet now are. I’ve talked to several in the community. They said if we want to grow, we’ll have to do it. That’s where we’re at.”
“It’s really hard to grow when we’re a dry area, and we need to be competitive with nearby cities like Jonesboro and Searcy, which have seen growth after allowing alcohol sales,” the mayor said.
Bowman also said he had to put aside personal convictions for the city to grow.
“As mayor, I don’t drink, and I don’t think alcohol does anything good, but I believe it’s our duty to do what’s best for the city’s growth.”
Several residents shared their perspectives, with one stating that restaurant alcohol sales could help the city grow without significantly impacting public safety. This individual referenced experiences visiting restaurants where alcohol is offered without any issues.
“I’m for it 100%. I think for growth, it’s a good thing … all my life, I’ve gone to restaurants that serve alcohol, and I’ve never seen a bar fight or trouble. I don’t think it’s an issue.”
“Everyone I’ve talked to is for it,” council member Joey Sample said. “You’re an adult. It should be your decision if you want a drink.”
The discussion lasted over an hour. One resident who was against the issue quoted scripture and studies to support his stance against alcohol sales. He also asked a restaurant owner attending the meeting if he would feel good knowing some parents may spend their money on alcohol at restaurants instead of buying food for their children, who would be left home hungry. This prompted council member Tim Fairchild to tell the resident he was “out of line” with the comment. Another resident said she had allegedly witnessed violent incidents at a Southside restaurant and bar that served alcohol. (The establishment was in operation before Southside was incorporated as a city.)
Council member Colyn Bowman, a former Bentonville resident for 30 years and a certified bartender, expressed his belief that patrons are unlikely to frequent restaurants that serve alcohol solely to get drunk and cause problems. Instead, he suggested that those looking to drink excessively might choose to visit liquor stores in Newport.
“We’ve heard a lot of comments tonight. I feel quite a few comments are conflating lifestyle choices you see in bars and liquor stores with serving in a restaurant,” he said. “People are not going to spend $12 on a cocktail at a restaurant to get hammered. That’s not a thing I’ve ever seen.”
The regulatory standards that would accompany any change in policy regarding alcohol service in Southside restaurants were also discussed.
Mayor Bowman noted that the city could draft ordinances outside Alcoholic Beverage Control requirements, mandating that alcohol sales be limited to restaurants meeting specific requirements, such as maintaining a full-food menu and serving alcohol during specified times.
With some concerned about the proximity of restaurants serving alcohol in residential areas, Bowman emphasized that restaurants’ locations must align with city zoning, which offers protection to residential areas and other establishments.
After hearing all public comments, the council approved a motion to draft ordinances regulating alcohol sales in restaurants, focusing on zoning, hours of service, and other controls.
These proposed ordinances will be reviewed at future meetings and made available to the public, with a commitment to deliberate thoroughly and allow public input.
In other council business, members approved a motion to place a property up for bid and discussed ongoing road improvements. Additionally, the council reviewed preliminary budget plans and addressed requests for speed tables on certain streets to improve road safety.
The next Southside City Council meeting will take place in December.
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