ORA Guide for Businesses

Fayetteville's Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA) allows businesses to sell “to-go” alcoholic beverages to guests 21 years of age and older for consumption outside of the establishment.

This is allowed seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The proper designated cups and wristbands must be used when selling beverages for consumption outside of your establishment.

The Rules for Businesses

  • Patrons who purchase a drink to be consumed outside of the establishment shall be I.D.ed to verify legal drinking age and given an official wrist band by the business. 

  • If a patron enters a business wearing an official wristband that they obtained from another business, the business shall I.D. the patron to confirm legal drinking age. 

  • ORA cups can only be sold during the designated times of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please use good judgment when patrons request to-go beverages close to 10 p.m., since public consumption stops at 10 p.m. daily. 

  • Businesses can charge a fee for an ORA cup and wristband if they wish, but are not required to do so. 

  • The point of sale and serving of the to-go beverage must take place within your alcohol-permit boundary that has been approved by State Alcoholic Beverage Control. 

  • All State of Arkansas and City of Fayetteville laws still apply. The Outdoor Refreshment Area Ordinance only regulates possession and consumption outside of your establishment, not the serving of alcohol. 

Guide for Managers of ORA Establishments

The ORA Boundary

The boundary of the Outdoor Refreshment Area is roughly square:bounded by Watson to the north, Mountain to the south, East Ave. to the east, and West Ave. to the west. Approved routes have been added to include areas such as the Mill district and businesses along Dickson west of the train tracks.

Please remind your patrons to stay within the signs.

ORA for Businesses FAQs

Sidewalk Cafés & Parklets FAQs

  • Email the Department of Economic Vitality by clicking HERE and provide the point of contact for your business.

    Please include name, phone number, email, and address of business.

  • The Department of Economic Vitality hosts ORA orientations for each new ORA participant. These sessions can be held via Zoom or at your business. To request an ORA orientation, please contact Chung Tan, Deputy Director of Economic Vitality at ctan@fayetteville-ar.gov

  • For wrist band delivery, please email DFC and we will drop them off to your business within the week. (fayettevilledowntown@gmail.com).

    Food Loops is the provider of cold/hot cups for the Outdoor Refreshment Area following Bid 20-68. Businesses are encouraged to call 479.755.4511 or email Haley (haley@foodloops.net) to order their cups.

  • This point came up a lot during the development of the ordinance. Liability has not changed due to this ordinance, it is the same.

References and Resources:

To read the full guide for the Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA) for participating businesses, click HERE. 

To view the Outdoor Refreshment Area Ordinance 111.07, click HERE. 

  • No. Your staff cannot serve alcohol at sidewalk cafés or parklets outside of your ABC-approved alcohol permit boundary. All drinks must be acquired from inside your establishment. However, your patrons can possess and consume alcohol at these locations, using regular stemware or original packaging . We understand this is frustrating, yet serving alcohol outside of your liquor license boundary would be a violation of ABC regulations. The Outdoor Refreshment Area Ordinance does not regulate nor have the power to regulate the serving of alcohol, it only regulates possession and consumption in public for your patrons. Do I need a permit to set up a sidewalk

  • Yes. Please contact Development Services to learn more about applying for a parklet or sidewalk cafe. Development Services can be reached at 479.575.8233.

  • Parking leases can be secured via parking@fayetteville-ar.gov

    Businesses are asked to pay for the maximum daily rate of each 479.575.8233 space. The City has developed a guide for how to develop parklets safely, you can view it here. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Development Services at 479.575.8233 To learn more about development a parklet, click HERE.