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Conway council OKs first reading of Pedal Pub franchise — no alcohol allowed
Summary
The Conway City Council gave first reading to an ordinance allowing Bridal Pub/Global Leisure Management to run downtown pedal-tour rides from 7 Elm Street, provided the tours do not involve alcohol; staff had recommended disapproval over enforcement concerns with open containers on state roads.
The Conway City Council gave first reading Aug. 18 to an ordinance (ZA2025-0902D) granting a nonexclusive franchise to Bridal Pub/Global Leisure Management to operate downtown Pedal Pub tours, with pickup and drop-off at the city-owned property at 7 Elm Street, contingent on a prohibition on alcohol aboard the vehicles.
City staff had recommended disapproval because of enforcement concerns, particularly open-container rules on state roads such as Third Avenue, but told council the company could operate if alcohol was not a part of the ride. During the public hearing, representatives for Bridal Pub said the business’s planned two-hour tours would focus on downtown dining and cultural stops and that they had presented the concept without selling alcohol on board.
The ordinance as presented would extend a privilege to use streets, parking and other city-owned amenities that does not exist without a franchise. Miss Wilkerson, a city staffer, told council that a franchise must receive two council readings and public notice in a newspaper of general circulation before becoming final; staff suggested either disapproval or approval as a three-month pilot to evaluate enforcement issues.
Bridal Pub owner Thomas Palmeri and Angie Geffinger, regional manager for Global Leisure Management, told council the tours were designed to bring 15–16 patrons per two-hour tour into local businesses and that the company had presented its concept during the council’s workshop. Palmeri said the concept had been presented to the council previously without alcohol on board and that lemonade or similar nonalcoholic beverages would be acceptable.
Council members and staff discussed the proximity of the designated pickup/drop-off point to children’s areas. Councilman Larry White raised a question about the splash pad; staff clarified the pickup point is nearer the former tennis center, not the splash pad.
After discussion, the council moved and seconded approval of first reading on the condition the franchise operate without alcohol consumption aboard the pedal vehicles. The motion passed unanimously on a voice/hand vote.
What happens next: The ordinance requires a second reading before final adoption. Council members said they expect to monitor how the operation functions if allowed and to revisit any enforcement issues if they arise.
