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

District 4 has been dry since its merger with the city of Paragould years ago.

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

“We obtained the necessary signatures and lined the streets on Election Day to vote dry for District 4 on the ballot,” said resident Keith White.

Many spoke out at Tuesday’s town hall against Let’s Roll Paragould’s proposed private club license.

Pastor Dale Noe is not only concerned about keeping District 4 dry, but also making sure the streets remain safe.

“Proximity to one of the most dangerous intersections in all of Greene County, and now we’re going to introduce alcohol into that situation,” Noe said.

The owners and board members of Let’s Roll Paragould and Boom Holdings have a successful history of operating bowling alleys that serve alcohol.

Jason Willett, a representative for Boom Holdings, said more than 100 people had expressed support for the license, although none of them live in District 4.

“They used to, but you’re supposed to have a list of members. They’re in and that kind of stuff. “These are people who have expressed their desire to support licensure, and it is a necessary requirement for the state to have these members,” Willett said.

Some residents expressed concern that approval of the license could lead to increased alcohol sales in District 4, allowing businesses like Kum and Go or Walmart to sell alcohol.

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

“If it is not voted on, it will be approved. “Okay, that wouldn’t open up District 4 for like a liquor store or a gas station to start selling beer, what it would do is allow booming businesses to apply through the state for a private club,” Mayor Agee said. saying.

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

Since it failed due to lack of movement, Mayor Agee said the company will have to wait a year to resubmit.

Willett said otherwise off camera, but declined to comment further on the situation.

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