Police Department to implement education campaign on new rules for Texarkana, Arkansas, Entertainment District

TEXARKANA, Ark. — The Police Department is implementing a 30-day education campaign on the new operational standards for the downtown Entertainment District.

The Board of Directors on Monday approved an ordinance that amended city rules regarding the district. An emergency clause was attached to the ordinance, making it effective immediately.

The entertainment district lies between State Line Avenue and East Fifth, East Third, Walnut, Laurel, Front and Pine streets

Texarkana Arkansas Police Department wants to educate the public about the changes to help curb unnecessary violations, citations and/or arrests for noncompliance, according to a news release issued Wednesday by TAPD.

“During this education campaign, officers will not cite or arrest patrons of the Entertainment District for violations … without first issuing a warning regarding violations of the amended sections of the ordinances. Continued non-compliance with the new ordinances may result in citations or arrest after the initial warning,” the release states.

The following revisions will be actively enforced beginning Feb. 4:

— Outside alcohol is banned within the district. Only alcohol purchased in the district may be openly consumed.

— Outside open drinking in the public areas of the Entertainment District will end at midnight daily. Businesses and bars will continue their normal operating hours and these changes do not affect their ability to serve patrons within their establishment.

The ordinance also removed Rock House Liquor from the entertainment district. Effective immediately, patrons will not be allowed to carry open containers out of the establishment.

“The main priority of the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department is to ensure the safety of the community and businesses within it. These ordinance revisions give us clearer guidance as we address unsafe behavior in our city. Residents and visitors are reminded that responsible behavior contributes to a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” the release stated.

TAPD first proposed operating rule changes for the entertainment district at the Board’s first regular meeting in November 2025. The proposal was fine-tuned at a workshop later in the month.

“TAPD has seen an increase in violations related to underage drinking, public intoxication, disturbing peace, etc. specifically in the entertainment district,” meeting documents stated regarding a reason for the changes.