FAYETTEVILLE, Ark — The law allowing outdoor drinking in Downtown Fayetteville is now in effect.
Fayetteville’s Outdoor Refreshment Area(ORA) enables people ages 21 and older to carry and consume alcoholic drinks in designated cups. Those drinking also have to wear the official wristband on public sidewalks and participating property within the boundary of the district.
The Outdoor Refreshment Area is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
On July 14, 2020, City staff presented the final Open Consumption District to City Council members.
The Open Consumption District Pilot Program began on July 22, 2020, and will run seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The expansion of the dates to seven days a week came at the request of numerous businesses.
“You don’t have to be stuck inside you just kind of walk around outside,” said Robert Saylors.
The following are rules that will need to be followed in order to drink inside the boundaries:
- Patrons must use designated ORA cups and wristband
- Beverages in ORA cups must be purchased from a participating business
- ORA cups allowed in public daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Keep your cups inside of the boundary signs
- Don't take your cup into any other alcohol-serving establishment, or any other business, without their consent
- Don't loiter and don't litter. Dispose of your cup in any recycling receptacle
- Practice social distancing and wear a mask when social distancing isn't possible
- Drink responsibly, support businesses safely and enjoy Downtown Fayetteville
- All State of Arkansas and City of Fayetteville laws still apply
“You’ve got that one friend who drinks slower than everyone else and the rest of the group is ready to go down the street and get that next bar now that one friend can still go with their group and finish his beer,” said Adam Mac.
The links below provide details and information for both patrons of the Outdoor Refreshment Area and businesses.
The documents include rules, FAQs, and other useful information.
On June 4, 2020, the Fayetteville City Council adopted an ordinance that designated an entertainment district pursuant to Act 812. The ordinance also included an emergency clause which enabled the law to take place immediately.