White County, AR Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

00 makes it unlawful to bring or possess an alcoholic beverage, defined as any intoxicating beverage containing alcohol, anywhere within the geographic boundaries of the White County fairgrounds off Highway 367 near the county home. The prohibition applies to the entire tract, roughly 80 acres, and covers both introducing alcohol onto the property and simply having it in hand while there. The only way around the ban is express written permission from the White County Judge or the administration running the fairgrounds; without that sign-off, possession alone is enough to violate the ordinance regardless of whether anyone is actually drinking.

The Quorum Court passed the ordinance under Ord. No. 2004-009 on August 17, 2004, as an emergency measure, finding the ban necessary to protect the public peace and safety of residents attending fairground events. Any law enforcement officer, not just Sheriff's deputies working the fairgrounds, can enforce it. The county has not enacted a general open-container law for streets, parks, or other public property in the unincorporated area; this ban is limited to the described fairground tract. A firearm brought onto the property in the same violation is subject to forfeiture at the sentencing court's discretion, on top of the fine.