8th Street Market poised to become outdoor drinking district

The 8th Street Market may soon be its own entertainment district.

What's it means: If the Bentonville City Council approves the district Tuesday night, you'll be able to drink alcohol anywhere around the market area, instead of in only designated areas.

Details: Participating businesses would give you a cup or wristband showing that you bought your drink within the district, allowing you to drink within the district's boundaries — which would include the entire market area, parking lot and the grassy spot northwest of the market.

• No, it would not include the walkway to the Momentary.
• This would apply 11am–11pm daily and only to alcohol you purchase on-site. So don't show up at 2am with a six-pack.

Context: We have Act 812 of 2019 to thank for the flexibility to legally drink in public where our cities say it's OK.

• Fayetteville's "outdoor refreshment area," approved in summer 2020, allows people to drink basically anywhere downtown, including the square.
• Rogers established the Railyard Entertainment District this spring in conjunction with the opening of the new downtown Railyard Park, which includes a concert venue.
• The Springdale City Council approved a downtown "outdoor dining district" last August in hopes of boosting business for bars and restaurants hurt by the pandemic.

Go deeper: Read the ordinance, and see the map here.

Go to the meeting: 6pm Tuesday at City Hall, or you can register here to watch online.