SPRINGDALE : Rodeo can sell beer, but three’s the limit
Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2008
SPRINGDALE — When the Rodeo of the Ozarks comes to town this year, patrons can buy a cold one and watch the bull riders.
The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approved the rodeo’s beer permit application last week. Since only closed cans of beer will be sold, approval from the Arkansas Department of Health also is expected, said John Gladden, president of the rodeo’s board of directors.
“We’re waiting to see if and when and what they’re going to do,” Gladden said.
Forty-four people signed a petition opposing the permit application. Springdale and Washington County officials didn’t oppose the application. The board’s protocol calls for a public hearing on a permit application only when there are protests from public officials, said Milton Lueken, an attorney for the alcohol board.
The petitioners said the rodeo has been successful without alcohol, and it doesn’t need beer. They also said that the rodeo is family-oriented, and youngsters shouldn’t be subjected to the influence of alcohol.
They also said public safe- ty could be compromised by drunken drivers leaving the venue.
It was unclear who distributed the petition.
Gladden said under the rodeo’s plans, patrons will have to show a driver’s license and they can buy up to three beers — counted by clips on a wrist band. In the future, the rodeo might increase the maximum beer purchases from three to four.
“Now our work is just beginning,” Gladden said. “We want to do everything by the law. No loopholes. No mistakes.” The rodeo, in its 64 th year, is scheduled for July 1-4.
With alcohol sales, Gladden and his colleagues can look to a new source of sponsorships.
Two other major rodeos in the state — Old Fort Days Rodeo in Fort Smith and the Arkansas State Fair Rodeo in Little Rock — both serve beer.
Last month Springdale opened Arvest Ballpark, where beer is sold. The park’s main tenant, the Class AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals, even run a promotion called “Thirsty Thursday,” when fans can buy a 10-ounce beer for $ 1.
The state Legislature passed a bill in 2007 allowing beer sales at the city-owned ballpark. The legislation was part of the package to lure the Naturals to Springdale.
Former state Sen. Jim Holt of Springdale said in March he was considering opposing the beer permit at the rodeo. But in the weeks leading up to the state board’s approval of the permit, Gladden said he heard of no opposition from Holt.
“We never heard of, or saw, the petition,” he said.
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