Arkansas Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
Private clubs can serve alcohol in dry countries. Retail stores sell alcoholic beverages instead of state-owned package stores. Alcohol is not sold on Sundays in most places, but restaurants are allowed to do so. Alcohol is not sold anywhere on Christmas Day.

In Arkansas, there is a tier system for alcohol licensing that determines when bars and restaurants can serve their alcohol.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
At 21, a person can drink or work as a bartender. At 19, a person can serve in a restaurant with an alcohol license. At 18, a person can handle alcohol in a grocery store. If the person is under 21, they need consent from their parents to work with alcohol.

Open Container Laws
If a container of alcohol has been previously opened, it must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle.

BAC Limits
If a person tests (breath, blood, or urine) with a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be arrested and convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) without further evidence.

If a driver has a BAC of .18 percent or more over the maximum limit of .08 percent, they may face higher penalties.

Penalties
If a driver does not comply with an officer’s request to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their level of intoxication when they are suspected of being under the influence, they can face penalties due to ‘implied consent laws.’ Their refusal can result in the mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can suspend a driver’s license for 120 days for the first offense, two years for the second offense, and thirty months for the third offense.

A driver’s vehicle may be confiscated after their fourth DUI conviction. They also face an ignition interlock device being installed in their vehicle and the possibility of alcohol education and assessment.

After the fourth conviction, DUI is considered a felony.