Court holds second reading on Mayflower private club liquor license; entrepreneurs present economic‑growth case

The Quorum Court held the second reading of proposed ordinance 25‑19, which would approve a private‑club liquor license for a proposed restaurant at 941 Highway 365 in Mayflower.

Justice Strain brought the ordinance up for its second reading. County Attorney (staff) read the ordinance title and noted that references to an emergency declaration had been removed from the draft; counsel confirmed section 4 would be cleaned up as well. Three proponents who identified as the project operators — Robin Jones, Rusty Waters and Tim Smith — were in the audience. Rusty Waters spoke briefly and said he supported the initiative and believed it would help Mayflower’s economy and restore a historic building. Waters told the court he views dry county status as outdated and said he supports allowing a sit‑down restaurant with alcohol service so local residents need not drive to Conway or Maumelle for a meal and drink.

Justice Strain framed the matter as more than a liquor license, calling it economic growth and preservation of a historic site. He asked whether the court wanted further comment from the applicants; proponents declined further presentation beyond earlier materials. Counsel noted an updated ordinance clean‑up would be circulated to the clerk.

Why it matters: The petitioners told the court the restaurant would provide local dining options and rehabilitate an existing structure in Mayflower; justices discussed standards and competition with nearby municipalities.

Next steps: The transcript records the second reading and clarifications to the ordinance text, but it does not show a final vote to adopt the ordinance in the provided excerpt. If the court takes a final vote at a future session it would determine whether the license is approved.