City council rejects alcohol permit in dry ward

PARAGOULD, Ark. (KAIT) – Due to lack of action, a proposal that would have allowed alcohol sales at the new Let’s Roll Paragould bowling alley failed Tuesday night.

Ward 4 has been dry since its merger with the City of Paragould years ago.

The area has historically been exempt from alcohol sales following a gentlemen’s agreement that lasted until 1998, when the Walmart Supercenter on West Kingshighway was built.

“We got the necessary signatures and lined the streets on election day to cast ballots for Ward 4,” said resident Keith White.

Many people spoke against Let’s Roll Paragould’s proposed private club license at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Pastor Dale Noe is not only keeping Ward 4 dry, he’s also making sure the streets stay safe.

“Proximity to one of the most dangerous intersections in Greene County, and now you’re going to include alcohol in that,” Noe said.

The owners and board members of Let’s Roll Paragould and Boom Holdings have a successful track record of operating bowling alleys that serve alcoholic beverages.

Boom Holdings representative Jason Willett said more than 100 people supported the license, but none of them lived in Ward 4.

“It used to be, but you have to have a membership list. They’re in and that sort of thing. These are people who have expressed their desire to support the license, and it is a necessary requirement for the state to have these members,” Willett said.

Some residents have expressed concern that approval of the license could lead to broader alcohol sales in Ward 4 and allow businesses like Kum and Go or Walmart to sell alcohol.

Mayor Josh Agee said that’s not the case at all.

“If there wasn’t going to be a vote, it had to be accepted. Okay, so this wouldn’t open up Ward 4 to start selling beer like a liquor store or gas station, what this would do is allow large conglomerates to apply for a private club through the state,” Mayor Agee said.

Arkansas law says that if the license is not approved, the business must wait one year to reapply.

Failed by lack of action, Mayor Agee said he would have to wait a year before the work could be brought forward again.

Willett said differently on camera but declined to comment further on the situation.

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