City takes aim at loitering and other nuisances

Proposed new license would make local businesses ‘police’ premises

A proposed new business license meant to stop nuisances such as loitering will be the subject of a public hearing Thursday in Texarkana, Ark., City Hall.

If eventually the Board of Directors approves an ordinance establishing the license, the city will require all Arkansas-side businesses to have one.

The license would oblige business owners to prevent nuisances on their property such as discharge of firearms, illegal gambling, promoting prostitution, loitering or prowling, City Manager Kenny Haskin said in a written statement.

“Essentially, every business will be required to have a city-issued, 12-month business license. In the event a business is not in compliance with the ordinance, law enforcement will then have the right to file a nuisance complaint in District Court, and the District Judge will decide its fate,” Haskin said.

The city would charge an annual licensing fee of $100 to $500, depending on a business’ square footage. The fee would cover the cost of enforcing the ordinance, and most businesses would pay $100 to $200 a year, Haskin said.

Nonprofits and medical marijuana businesses already have rules in place, so they would be exempt from the proposed new license.

The plan comes as a response to complaints about unruly behavior that some worry is negatively affecting the city’s economy.

“According to the complaints, large crowds gather in and around some establishments at various times

of the day—loitering, intimidating, threatening, and sometimes blocking entrances. When officers are notified, unfortunately it is often after the fact and they have very little recourse at that point. As a result, citizens are opting to shop elsewhere, and businesses are thinking about relocating,” Haskin said.

Any member of the public may speak during the hearing, which is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the board room at City Hall, 216 Walnut St.

Haskin said there is a small chance the hearing will be rescheduled for Friday or early next week because of an unspecified potential conflict.

On Twitter: @RealKarlRichter