(a) The General Assembly reaffirms the policy of this state of strict enforcement of laws and rules applicable to the manufacture or sale of beer including, but not limited to, those establishing the three-tier distribution system with prohibitions against ownership and employment interests between the three (3) tiers, or the “three-tier system”.
(b) The General Assembly determines:
(1) That the tourist and the convention industries contribute substantially to the revenues of business enterprises in this state and that income from the tourist trade, conventions, and allied industries is essential to the continued well-being and prosperity of this state;
(2) That there is extreme competition among states throughout the nation for the tourist and convention business; and
(3) That all reasonable steps should be taken to retain, foster, and encourage this business and to create favorable competitive conditions therefor in this state.
(c) In order to encourage tourists and conventions to come to Arkansas, it is essential that visitors to the state be provided accommodations, services, and facilities of a nature to which they are accustomed and competitive with those offered in other states and areas.
(d) It is the intent and purpose of this subchapter to authorize the legal operation of microbrewery-restaurants as herein provided as a limited exception to the three-tier system.