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AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH AN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN JONESBORO, ARKANSAS
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WHEREAS, the State of Arkansas has passed into law A.C.A. 14-54-1412 to promote hospitality and tourism; to establish areas of a city or town that highlight restaurant, entertainment, and hospitality options; to establish temporary or permanent designated entertainment districts; and for other purposes; and
WHEREAS, the State of Arkansas passed into law Act 874 of 2021, hereinafter referred to as “Act 874,” which amended the definition concerning the creation of a designated entertainment district to read “contains any number and any combination of restaurants, taprooms, taverns, entertainment establishments, hospitality establishments, music venues, theaters, bars, private clubs, art galleries, art studios, tourist destinations, distilleries, dance clubs, cinemas, or concert halls.; “Act 874” also amended the definition concerning the creation of designated entertainment district by a city, municipality, or incorporated town to read “A city, municipality, or an incorporated town collecting a gross receipts tax on prepared food or hotel and motel accommodations under Arkansas Code § § 26-75-602 - 26-75-613 AND located in a county with established entities authorized by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division to sell alcoholic beverages”; and
WHEREAS, the City of Jonesboro has previously established the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotions Commission and currently collects a gross receipts tax on hotel and motel accommodations, therefore allowing the Council to establish an entertainment district within the corporate limits of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
WHEREAS, the Council has considered the merits of establishing such a district and believes that it will benefit the downtown area by promoting an atmosphere aimed at facilitating business and promoting tourism.
WHEREAS, the Council finds that other cities have had success with such districts, and bel...
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