Drinking alcoholic beverages in public places like sidewalks, biking trails or parks has historically been against the law in Arkansas.

But a new law now gives cities the option for adopting local ordinances to create open container districts with a goal of promoting entertainment and tourism. The law recently signed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson also gives cities the option to adopt temporary open container ordinances for festivals and other events. Arkansas joins 15 other states that permit public drinking in certain cities or select entertainment districts.

Mountain Home was the first city in the state to formally pass an ordinance creating an entertainment district downtown with the open container capability, aimed at driving economic development. Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams told Talk Business & Politics the city survives largely on tourism dollars generated from thousands of visitors who flock to the area for fishing.      MORE