This bill aims to enhance tourism and economic development in Arkansas by streamlining the private club permitting process for hotels, restaurants, and large-event facilities. It introduces legislative findings that highlight Arkansas's appeal as a desirable place to live and the potential for attracting major amenities, including restaurants and hotels, by eliminating the requirement for these establishments to form nonprofit corporations to obtain private club permits. The bill amends the definition of "private club" to allow corporations, partnerships, individuals, or limited liability companies to apply for permits without the nonprofit requirement, while still adhering to other regulatory standards.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing regulations regarding the issuance of private club permits, specifying that new permits can be granted to hotels, restaurants, and large-event facilities in areas where the public retail sale of intoxicating liquors is not authorized. It also establishes that a restaurant holding a private club permit cannot derive more than 35% of its revenue from alcohol sales. The proposed changes are designed to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and promote a more vibrant tourism sector in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
SB 345: 3-9-202(14), 3-9-221(a), 3-9-222(c)