Senate panel approves letting state parks hold ABC permits to sell alcohol at lodges and events

Senator Missy Irvin presented Senate Bill 472 as a measure to allow Arkansas State Parks to be permit holders for on‑premises alcohol sales at lodges, concessions and special events. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that state parks would be regulated under the same Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) rules applicable to other permit holders and that parks would be given time to come into compliance.

Shay Lewis, director of Arkansas State Parks, told the committee the change would give parks flexibility to meet guest expectations; Lewis noted nearly 9 million annual park visits and said permitting would help parks generate additional earned revenue to support operations. Officials said concession agreements could specify whether the concession operator or State Parks would hold the permit and that any fines or enforcement actions would fall on the permit holder.

Committee members asked about staffing, age‑restriction compliance and the effect on surrounding businesses. Senator McKee and others asked whether local restaurants might be affected; proponents said the change would likely increase tourism and bring more business to nearby restaurants and lodging. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill by voice vote.

The measure passed with committee support and will move forward in the legislative process.