Council approves two private-club alcohol permits amid public opposition

The Jonesboro City Council on Feb. 17 approved two private-club alcohol permits despite public opposition from residents who urged council not to grant additional permits.

For Manarca’s Mexican, applicant representative Scott Hunter answered council questions; speakers Bob Vester and James Owen Hines urged the council not to grant the permit, arguing the area already has many alcohol outlets and expressing concern about traffic and social impacts. Councilmember motioned and the ordinance carried by voice vote.

Council then considered a private-club permit for Walk On Sports Bistro. Hunter again represented the applicant and answered questions; public commenters raised concerns about traffic and the location (address clarified as 2809 East Highland Drive). That ordinance also carried on voice vote.

Speakers opposing the permits emphasized that denial is a procedural option (not granting) and said the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board considers local findings when reviewing state permits. Council members who voted in favor did not read detailed findings into the record during the public comments summarized here.

What’s next: the approvals will allow the applicants to proceed with the state ABC process; council and staff did not record a named roll-call tally in the public remarks for these items.