AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1318

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1318

Introduced
1/30/25  
Refer
1/30/25  
Report Pass
2/5/25  
Engrossed
2/6/25  
Refer
2/6/25  
Report Pass
2/11/25  
Enrolled
2/13/25  
Chaptered
2/18/25  

Caption

To Amend The Excursion Train Permit To Include Excursion Boats.

Impact

The bill will have a significant impact on the state's regulatory framework governing the sale of alcoholic beverages. By permitting excursion boats to serve alcohol, the state acknowledges the need for regulatory flexibility to foster business opportunities in the tourism sector. The amendment will officially allow operators of excursion boats to apply for permits similar to those held by excursion trains, simplifying the process and potentially increasing the number of recreational offerings available to the public.

Summary

House Bill 1318 aims to amend the existing laws regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages by expanding the definition of excursion permits to include excursion boats alongside excursion trains. The primary intention of this bill is to accommodate the changing landscape of recreational and tourism activities within Arkansas, where excursion boats have become popular for public events. By allowing alcohol sales on these boats, the legislation strives to enhance the experience for passengers and promote tourism within the state.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HB1318 represents a forward-thinking approach to enhancing Arkansas's tourism and recreational offerings by equating the regulatory treatment of excursion trains and boats. As the state continues to adapt to contemporary leisure trends, this bill may pave the way for further legislative actions that support economic growth and the integration of new recreational activities into the state’s tourism portfolio.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1318 may arise from concerns over public safety and the responsible service of alcohol. Opponents might argue that expanding alcohol sales to excursion boats could lead to increased issues such as overconsumption or disorderly conduct among passengers. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the sufficiency of regulations to ensure that the operators can manage alcohol sales effectively and maintain a safe environment for all passengers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB487

To Amend The Law Regarding Alcoholic Beverages; To Authorize The Third-party Delivery Of Alcoholic Beverages From Certain Retailers; And To Create A Third-party Delivery Permit.

AR SB411

To Amend The Definition Of "beer" To Change The Allowable Alcoholic Content And To Include Malt Beverages; And To Set The Minimum Container Size Of Beer To Be Sold For Off-premises Consumption.

AR HB1432

To Amend The Law Regarding Alcoholic Beverages; And To Amend The Law Related To The Selling Of Alcoholic Beverages With Food Purchase For Delivery Or To Be Consumed Off-premises.

AR HB1162

To Amend The Law Regarding Microbrewery-restaurants; And To Authorize Microbrewery-restaurants To Manufacture And Sell Ready-to-drink Product.

AR HB1264

To Permit A Microbrewery-restaurant Private Club Permittee To Store And Sell Spirituous Liquor To Members For On-premises Consumption.

AR HB1498

To Amend The Law Related To Microbrewery-restaurant Private Clubs.

AR HB1380

To Amend The Law Regarding Alcoholic Beverages; And To Amend The Law Regarding Tasting Events.

AR HB1631

To Amend The Definition Of "beer" To Change The Allowable Alcoholic Content And To Include Malt Beverages; And To Set The Minimum Container Size Of Beer To Be Sold For Off-premises Consumption.

AR SB358

To Prohibit Industrial Hemp That Contain Certain Delta Tetrahydrocannabinol Substances; To Include Certain Tetrahydrocannabinol In The List Of Schedule Vi Controlled Substances; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB472

To Amend The Law Regarding Alcoholic Beverages; And To Authorize A State Park To Sell Alcoholic Beverages For On-premises Consumption Without Obtaining A Permit From The Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.