Eateries urged to add outside dining

Mayor Joe Smith on Friday encouraged restaurants to create outdoor dining this summer as the city waives the requirement for zoning or planning permits for these projects.

Smith said the concept is to allow businesses to serve more customers while following Arkansas Department of Health covid-19 guidelines.

“We will worry about permits in the fall when this dies down a little bit,” Smith said.

Smith initially announced this at Monday’s City Council meeting during which council members also unanimously approved an ordinance to establish an entertainment district downtown as quickly as possible to help boost the economy during the pandemic.