Senate panel approves limited grocery and convenience store beer/wine delivery after debate on enforcement

Senate Bill 487, sponsored by Senator Joshua Bryant, would permit grocery stores and convenience stores in five large Arkansas counties to deliver beer and wine in areas where sales are allowed and would empower the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to permit and regulate third‑party delivery services.

Bryant said the bill "levels the playing field" with package stores and would authorize third‑party contractors under an ABC permitting process. Michael Lewis of ABC told the committee the agency uses compliance checks and has investigation mechanisms, including fines and permit suspension or revocation for repeat violations. When asked about recent enforcement, Lewis said, "for the months of January and February...we had around 89 confirmed violations" related to sales to minors, though he clarified those were total sales‑to‑minor violations for the period and not all tied to delivery.

David Bevins of Legacy Wine and Spirits testified against expanding third‑party delivery, arguing Arkansas had developed careful local delivery practices and that third‑party business models have failed compliance tests in other states, citing a study showing younger buyers were ID'd less often in stings.

The committee debated scope — why the five counties were chosen, how ABC would enforce third parties, and whether rural needs would be better addressed by existing retailers. The chair accepted a motion for immediate consideration and the committee passed the bill by voice vote.