Hot Springs, Ark. – In a clear show of local support, voters approved a citizen‑initiated measure permitting Sunday retail sales of alcohol for off‑premise consumption. Unofficial results from the Garland County Election Commission recorded 6,575 votes in favor and 3,858 against.

What the measure changes

The new ordinance allows grocery stores, convenience stores and liquor stores within the city limits to sell packaged alcohol on Sundays. Existing on‑sale (on‑premise) alcohol sales already operate on Sundays, so the change simply removes the hassle of requiring shoppers to wait for a weekday to purchase bottles for home use.

Community and business impact

Tyler Draper, chair of the Keep Our Dollars ballot committee, explained that the measure was designed to give both residents and visitors more options. “We already allow on‑sale or on‑premise alcohol sales on Sunday, so a lot of people were just like, ‘Hey, let’s give people less hassle and more freedom to buy and take home,’” Draper said.

Draper emphasized that the law does not force any retailer to stay open. “It just gives them a choice. If liquor stores don’t want to be open, they can stay closed. If gas stations don’t want to sell on Sunday, that’s their choice,” he added.

Next steps and start date

While the measure has cleared the ballot, the exact date when Sunday sales can begin remains uncertain. Draper said he has reached out to the city attorney to clarify the implementation timeline, and a start date has not yet been confirmed.

Local reaction

The decision sparked positive comments on social media. One Facebook user wrote, “It’s all good!! You sell everything else on Sunday,” reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for the added convenience.

Broader implications

Supporters hope the change will stimulate the local economy by attracting more shoppers and encouraging new retailers to consider Hot Springs as a viable location. Draper, who also won the District 5 seat on the Hot Springs Board of Directors, said he looks forward to seeing growth in the city’s retail sector.

Volunteers, including college students and retirees, were credited with helping the campaign succeed. “I’m very appreciative, and I hope that this will help bring more retailers and more growth into Hot Springs,” Draper said.

Certification pending

The results are unofficial pending certification by the Garland County Election Commission. The measure applies only within Hot Springs city limits, not the broader county.

Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.