City of Harrison, Arkansas

What must I do to sell beer or alcohol at my place of business? (On the premises).
     First,  apply for a liquor license with the ABC Board in Little Rock.   After receiving your permit from the state of Arkansas, then apply with the City of Harrison to be able to sell within the city limits. 

What type of alcohol licenses are there?
     1) Wholesale Beer & Lt Wine   2) Retail Beer & Lt Wine   3) Hotel, Motel, Restaurant (Beer & Wine) and   4)Hotel, Motel, Restaurant (Mixed Drink)  5) Private Club   6) Liqour Retail Store

Are there any location restrictions regarding the sale and consumption of liquor, beer and wine?
   See Ordinance under Alcohol page.

How do I apply for a city alcohol beverage license?
     Applications are available at the office of the Mayor of Harrison, or on the Home page of the City of Harrison website.

How do I renew my current city alcohol beverage license?
     Re apply with the ABC Board, then reapply with the City as indicated above.


                                     Business License

Does the City of Harrison have a business license requirement?
     Yes.  The City Council passed Ordinance No. 1337 on February 10, 2011.

When does the program begin?
  June 1, 2011 is the start date of the program; however the application required for a business license shall be filed, and the fee paid on or before March 1 of each year, and the period covered by any license shall be for that calendar year.  The website should be ready to take the application and funds starting June 1, 2011.  Paper forms should be able to be printed off the website or requested from the Mayor's office.  There is a grace period this year, until August 1, to pay for the Business License before penalties are applied.

Why does the City of Harrison need business licenses?
     It was established to identify and to qualify business to conduct business in the City of Harrison.  The applications will also help the Fire Dept with necessary safety  information on the businesses for fire protection.

Do all businesses have to have a business license to operate in the City?
     Yes, but with the exceptions below.  However, these organizations are required to provide the annual application (just not the fees) if they maintain an office or meeting facility in the Harrison city limits.
 
         *Churches and non-profit organizations.   
         *Hospitals, public schools, or colleges.
         *Home occupations, as defined in the Harrison Zoning Code.
         * Farmers Markets
         *Residential and Commercial Landlords.

How does one get a business license?
     An application  should be completed and sent to the City of Harrison, along with the annual fee.  This may be done by mail or on-line.  Upon approval of the application and fee, the City shall issue a business license certificate.  You may apply on-line on the Home page at www.cityofharrison.com and pay by pay-pal; or print off the application on the website and mail in with the fee.

What is the cost for a license?
     First time applicants using paper forms shall pay a $35 application fee; and first time applicants completing electronically shall pay a $25 application fee.  Renewal fees are $20 for paper filing and $15 for electronic filing.

What are the penalties for late payment?
     10% of the amount due when the payment is made 30 days past the due date of the license fee; 20% of the amount due when the payment is made 60 days past the due date of the license fee; 50% of the amount due when the payment is made 90 days past the due date of the license fee.

What happens if I dont file for a business license?
     Any person or entity doing business in the city failing to make application or failing to pay the applicable fee may be cited with a misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines and costs up to $1,000; and potentially the loss of City services such as water, and sewer for the business premises.