Springdale establishes downtown district allowing outdoor alcohol consumption

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (TB&P) — Downtown Springdale will have an entertainment district to allow those who are at least 21 to consume alcoholic beverages while within its boundaries.

In a 5-3 vote, Springdale City Council approved Tuesday an ordinance to temporarily establish the Downtown Springdale Outdoor Dining District for six months. The district will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the ordinance went into effect immediately because an emergency clause was approved. Fayetteville has a similar district that opened July 22. The Fort Smith Board of Directors approved an ordinance to allow for a permanent entertainment district at Chaffee Crossing during its regular meeting Aug. 4.

The Springdale district runs along Emma Avenue, between Shiloh and Water streets, and includes several adjacent blocks, between Grove and Emma avenues and Meadow and Johnson avenues. It includes Walter Turnbow Park and Shiloh Square. The district also spans the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad at Emma Avenue before coming to an end at Emma Avenue and Water Street.

Jill Dabbs, executive director for nonprofit group Downtown Springdale Alliance, previously said the district includes all downtown establishments with a license to sell alcohol.

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