The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Division won’t be asking state lawmakers to repeal a law banning ABC employees from accepting gifts after all.

A spokesman for Gov. Mike Beebe said Wednesday the governor believes the law should remain in place.

“We’ve been reviewing that proposal as it goes along, and there are some parts we agree with,” Beebe spokesman Matt DeCample said. “Repealing the rule in regards to gifts is not something that we agree with.”

ABC Director Michael Langley said Wednesday, “I support the governor’s decision.”

Langley had said Tuesday the division was considering asking lawmakers to repeal section 3-2-208 of the Arkansas Code, which prohibits a division employee from soliciting or accepting a gift from any manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer of alcoholic beverages or any person who has applied with the division for any type of permit.

The law has “no teeth,” Langley said, because it does not provide a penalty. ABC employees have to report gifts and comply with ethics laws that apply to all state employees, he said Tuesday.

DeCample said Wednesday, “Just because there are no penalties in the rule, that does not mean that violators will not be held accountable.”

Tags: Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, Michael Langley, Mike Beebe

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