Whether you're a bartender, server, manager, bar owner, or even just a customer trying to figure out when you can grab a six-pack on Sunday, Arkansas alcohol laws can be… confusing. Between wet and dry counties, local option rules, Sunday sales restrictions, and new 2025 delivery laws, it’s easy to get mixed up.
This friendly guide breaks everything down in plain English—no legal dictionary needed. We’ll cover serving laws, sale hours, Sunday rules, last call times, and the newest statewide updates. And if you work in the service industry, we’ll also show you how to stay compliant with state-approved alcohol certification designed specifically for Arkansas.
Ready? Let’s pour into it.
Arkansas doesn’t follow a single statewide alcohol policy—instead, counties and cities can choose their own rules. That means:
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One city may sell beer on Sundays
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The next town over may prohibit it entirely
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Liquor stores statewide must close earlier than bars
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And Sunday wine/beer sales depend on local approval
If you’re a bartender, server, or manager, understanding the rules isn’t just helpful—
it’s your legal responsibility.
This is why so many Arkansas restaurants, bars, and retailers now require staff to complete
Arkansas Alcohol Awareness Training, a
state-approved course that teaches legal serving hours, ID checks, intoxication signs, and compliance rules. It’s fast, online, and recognized by the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.
Arkansas has had several important alcohol law changes in recent years—including a major 2025 update. Here are the big ones:
Allows restaurants with valid alcohol permits to:
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Sell “alcohol to-go”
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Offer curbside pickup
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Deliver sealed alcohol with a meal
Allows retail liquor stores, microbrewery-restaurants, and small breweries to deliver sealed alcohol to customers’ private residences but only in wet counties.
This 2025 law creates a brand-new permit allowing companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and local couriers to legally deliver alcohol in Arkansas.
Key rules for drivers:
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Must be 21+
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Must pass a background check
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Must complete alcohol delivery training
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Must follow strict ID verification rules
All laws above are managed and enforced by the
Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC).
Here are the basics every bar, restaurant, and cashier must know:
- 19+ → You can serve alcohol (like at a restaurant)
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21+ → You can bartend (mix, pour, or handle spirits)
- 18+ → You can sell sealed beer/wine at stores
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21+ → Required for liquor handling in retail settings
State law doesn’t require training for every server, but:
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Most employers require it
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Most insurance carriers require it
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ABC strongly encourages it
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Violations without trained staff are a major liability
This is why state-approved
Arkansas Alcohol Awareness Training is now considered standard for bars and restaurants.
Staff
must check ID for anyone appearing under 30. Accepted forms include:
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Driver’s license
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State ID
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Passport
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Military ID
Fake ID issues can result in major fines and permit suspension.
If a staff member serves a minor or intoxicated customer:
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The server can be fined
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The business can lose its license
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ABC may suspend or revoke the permit
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Insurance claims may be denied
Arkansas uses “local option,” meaning each county can vote to become:
Arkansas uses “local option,” meaning each county can vote to become:
Alcohol sales are permitted.
Alcohol sales are prohibited
except for:
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Private clubs
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Caterer permits
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Event permits
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Limited delivery exceptions
Mostly dry… but private clubs or specific cities may allow limited sales.
This patchwork system is one reason you’ll find a full liquor store in one county—and none in the next.
For most of Arkansas, the standard beer sale hours are:
7:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Mon–Sat)
This applies to:
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Grocery stores
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Gas stations
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Convenience stores
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Restaurants & bars (on-premises beer)
BUT some cities adopt earlier closing times (10–12 PM).
Here’s your answer to the big PAA question: “What time can you buy beer in Arkansas on Sunday?”
Beer/wine Sunday sales are NOT automatically allowed—each city/county must approve it via local ordinance.
- Fayetteville
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Bentonville
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Rogers
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Springdale
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Hot Springs (select areas)
- Little Rock (retail sale restrictions remain)
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Many dry or moist counties
- Gas stations & grocery stores: Allowed in approved cities
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Liquor stores: Many remain closed on Sunday
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Bars & restaurants (with Sunday permits): May serve with on-premises authorization
This is a firm Arkansas rule.
Beer/wine outlets may remain open later depending on city rules.
With a
mixed drink permit, they may serve:
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Until 2:00 AM where locally approved
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Earlier in more restrictive areas
Some can continue serving later due to grandfather clauses.
In Arkansas, “last call” isn’t a single statewide rule—it varies based on the business’s permit type, local ordinances, and whether the county is wet, dry, or somewhere in between. Most establishments follow the same general practices: they typically announce last call about 15–30 minutes before closing, stop all alcohol service at the legal cutoff time for their permit, and then allow guests a short window to finish their drinks before exiting.
While the specifics differ from one city or county to another, the goal is always the same: ensure smooth, responsible, and compliant end-of-night service.
- Beer — YES
Most grocery stores statewide can sell beer (if the county is wet).
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Wine — YES (Limited)
Stores need a wine permit—Large chains like Walmart, Kroger, Harps, and Target typically have them.
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Liquor — NO
Only dedicated retail liquor stores can sell distilled spirits.
Sunday rules apply depending on local ordinances.
Arkansas now permits several forms of alcohol delivery under updated state legislation. Retail liquor stores can deliver sealed alcohol directly to consumers under Act 158, while restaurants are allowed to offer alcohol to-go and provide curbside or off-premise delivery with a meal through
Act 703. The newest update,
Act 157 of 2025, introduces a Third-Party Delivery Permit that allows services like
Uber Eats,
DoorDash, and local courier companies to legally deliver alcohol on behalf of retailers.
Delivery drivers must meet strict requirements, including being at least 21 years old, performing proper ID checks, refusing delivery to visibly intoxicated individuals, respecting wet and dry county boundaries, and completing any required alcohol delivery training. These rules are designed to keep alcohol delivery safe, compliant, and consistent across the state.
The newest major change is Act 157 of 2025, which creates a Third-Party Delivery Permit allowing Uber-style services to deliver alcohol under strict conditions.
Yes but only in cities/counties that approve Sunday sales through a local ordinance (typically 10 AM – midnight).
Grocery stores can sell beer and wine, but only liquor stores may sell distilled spirits.
Servers must refuse the sale, even if it’s “just one minute past.” Proceeding could result in fines or a permit violation.
No—deliveries must remain within wet areas. Dry counties prohibit most forms of delivery.
Arkansas encourages responsible service through state-approved training, and most employers now require it.
Your business can face penalties for:
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Overservice
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Serving minors
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Poor last-call management
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Delivery violations
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Incorrect sale hours
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Operating without trained staff
Completing a recognized course like the state-approved
Arkansas Alcohol Awareness Course provides several important benefits for both staff and businesses. It helps employees avoid costly ABC violations by ensuring they understand state laws and proper serving procedures. It also reduces liability for the establishment, improves overall safety for guests and workers, and supports hiring and insurance requirements that often favor or mandate trained alcohol-handling staff.
Ultimately, proper certification strengthens compliance and protects everyone involved in alcohol service.
Perfect for bartenders, servers, or managers:
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Know your county’s wet/dry status
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Learn your local Sunday rules
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Memorize weekday & Saturday sale hours
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Track last call times
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Check IDs every time
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Complete state-approved training
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Log refusal incidents
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Keep up with new ABC rules
Arkansas alcohol laws are complex, but with the right knowledge you can serve safely, confidently, and legally. Whether you’re behind the bar, managing a venue, or stocking shelves at retail, knowing the rules keeps your customers safe and your business protected.
If you want to boost your skills or stay compliant, the best next step is simple:
Get your state-approved Arkansas Alcohol Awareness Course.
Fast. Mobile-friendly. Recognized statewide. Cheers to safe and legal service in Arkansas!
