Arkansas county sells alcohol after 70-year ban

POCAHONTAS, Ark. (AP) -- Alcohol sales are now legal in a northeastern Arkansas county after residents approved a measure to lift a 70-year-old ban on sales.

The Jonesboro Sun reports that Randolph County began selling alcohol again this week. The county banned the sale of alcohol in the early 1940s. Voters in November approved a measure allowing alcohol sales after multiple legalization attempts.

Jordan's Kwik Shop near the Pocahontas Municipal Airport was the first to receive a permit to sell alcohol. Manager Tiffany Bishop says the shop has been busy and customers have been excited.

Two other Pocahontas businesses have also applied for permits. Scott Hardin is a spokesman for the Arkansas Alcohol Beverage Control. He says the commission will vote on the permits in March.