By Ray King
With no dissent, the Pine Bluff City Council on Monday approved an ordinance that will allow the owners of a private club downtown to apply for a license from the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
Barbara Rogers wants to open the “Talk of the Town Lounge” at 224 S. Main St., the old Doc’s Pawn Shop, and state law requires that she obtain permission from the city council before applying for the license.
In addition to approving the ordinance, the council approved an emergency clause which will allow the ordinance to become effective immediately.
After the meeting, Council Member Bruce Lockett, chairman of the Development and Planning Committee explained the emergency clause.
According to information attached to the ordinance, the club will be open from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and will offer entertainment through art, low classical music, pool tables, nicotine-free Shista Hookah’s and BYOB/F options.
Only the ground floor will be used and the information sheet says “although this is a generally 30 + lounge, it will be open to the adult public and requires appropriate attire for entrance.”
The Pine Bluff Planning Commission previously approved a request to operate the lounge in the central business district and the site is located within the Entertainment District Classification.
The council also approved an ordinance that will allow Fire Department Capt. Fred Bateman to bid on city contracts involving the cutting of grass and weeds on city owned property and also on nuisance and demolition projects.
State law requires the council to approve legislation allowing city employees to do business with the city.
The ordinance goes on to say that sealed bids will be used for all contracts for which he will be allowed to submit a bid.
