everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

Republican Sponsorship
Business & Economy

SB635

To Amend The Law Concerning Alcoholic Beverages; And To Authorize Bottle Lockers In Certain Restaurants.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 635 proposes an amendment to Arkansas law to permit restaurants located in 'wet' territories that hold valid on-premises consumption permits to provide bottle lockers for guests. These lockers are defined as storage systems within the restaurant where patrons may store bottles of alcoholic beverages they have purchased for later consumption. The bill establishes that guests may be charged a storage fee by the restaurant for the use of these lockers. This legislation aims to formalize a service model that allows for the private storage and consumption of personal alcohol supplies within authorized dining establishments.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries include restaurant owners and operators in wet territories who will gain an additional revenue stream through storage fees, as well as patrons who frequent these establishments and desire the convenience of storing their own alcoholic beverages for future dining experiences.

Who Might Suffer?

Potentially impacted parties could include state or local alcoholic beverage control regulators who may face increased administrative burdens regarding the enforcement of storage and consumption laws, as well as competing bars or hospitality businesses that do not offer such facilities and may see a shift in consumer traffic.

Vote Records

Third Reading

April 10, 2025
Yea: 28 Nay: 6 NV: 1 Absent: 0 Passed
View individual votes (35)
Legislator Party Chamber Vote
Jane English Republican Senate Yea
Jonathan Dismang Republican Senate Yea
Greg Leding Democrat Senate Yea
Missy Irvin Republican Senate Yea
Bryan King Republican Senate Yea
Kim Hammer Republican Senate NV
Stephanie Flowers Democrat Senate Nay
Frederick Love Democrat Senate Nay
Terry Rice Republican Senate Yea
Reginald Murdock Democrat Senate Yea
Gary Stubblefield Republican Senate Yea
Jim Dotson Republican Senate Nay
John Payton Republican Senate Yea
Alan Clark Republican Senate Yea
Ronald Caldwell Republican Senate Yea
Bart Hester Republican Senate Yea
Jimmy Hickey Republican Senate Yea
Dan Sullivan Republican Senate Nay
David Wallace Republican Senate Yea
Blake Johnson Republican Senate Yea
Justin Boyd Republican Senate Yea
Clarke Tucker Democrat Senate Yea
Scott Flippo Republican Senate Yea
Clint Penzo Republican Senate Yea
Mark Johnson Republican Senate Yea
Ricky Hill Republican Senate Yea
Jamie Scott Democrat Senate Yea
Breanne Davis Republican Senate Yea
Ben Gilmore Republican Senate Nay
Joshua Bryant Republican Senate Yea
Matt McKee Republican Senate Yea
Jim Petty Republican Senate Yea
Steve Crowell Republican Senate Yea
Tyler Dees Republican Senate Nay
Matt Stone Republican Senate Yea
Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us