The bill amends existing laws regarding private clubs in Arkansas, specifically allowing certain private clubs to purchase alcoholic beverages directly from small brewery permit holders under exclusive agreements. It modifies Arkansas Code 3-4-405(a)(21) to clarify that unauthorized purchasing by private clubs does not include purchases from small brewery permit holders as specified in Arkansas Code 3-9-221. Additionally, it introduces a new provision that permits private clubs located in entertainment districts to enter into exclusive agreements with small breweries, provided both entities are situated in adjacent counties and that a small brewery can only have one such agreement at a time.

Furthermore, the bill updates the language in Arkansas Code 3-9-221 to remove references to members' ownership of alcoholic beverages under a locker or revolving fund system, instead emphasizing that beverages must be lawfully purchased. It also revises the tax structure on gross proceeds from private clubs, eliminating references to private stocks of members in the context of mixed drinks and beer and wine service. This legislation aims to enhance the operational flexibility of private clubs while promoting local breweries and supporting tourism in areas where public retail sales of intoxicating liquors are restricted.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1455 V2 - 3-4-2025 10:26 AM: 3-4-405(a), 3-9-221(a), 3-9-221, 3-9-223(b)
Old version HB1455 V3 - 3-12-2025 11:16 AM: 3-4-405(a), 3-9-221(a), 3-9-221, 3-9-223(b)
Old version HB1455 V4 - 3-19-2025 03:28 PM: 3-4-405(a), 3-9-221(a), 3-9-221, 3-9-223(b)
Old version HB1455 Original - 2-11-2025 02:21 PM: 3-4-405(a), 3-9-221(a), 3-9-221, 3-9-223(b)
HB 1455: 3-4-405(a), 3-9-221(a), 3-9-221, 3-9-223(b)
Act 500: 3-4-405(a), 3-9-221(a), 3-9-221, 3-9-223(b)