FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 21, 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Hardin, DFA
501-352-9351, [email protected]
ABC Director revokes Peppermint Hippo’s alcohol permit
ABC names it an immediate danger to public health, safety, and welfare
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (January 21, 2026) – The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board today affirmed ABC Director Christy Bjornson’s decision to revoke the Peppermint Hippo’s alcohol permit. Director Bjornson found the club was an immediate danger to public health, safety, and welfare due to numerous, serious violations, with some of those resulting in injury and death. In addition, a number of customers have reported unauthorized credit card transactions for tens of thousands of dollars. Law enforcement have several open felony investigations into these fraudulent transactions.
The club, located just off Interstate 40 in North Little Rock, held a Private Club Class B permit, which allowed it to remain open until 5 a.m.
Following the Board affirming the decision, ABC Enforcement agents will visit the club tomorrow to formally revoke the permit.
“Our permit holders are required to comply with a very clear set of rules to ensure the safety of customers, employees and the general public,” said Director Bjornson. “The Peppermint Hippo has a clear pattern of disregarding these rules. When law enforcement should have been called to address on-site issues, they instead acted violently with patrons and created risks for non-patrons in the surrounding area. We have thousands of permit holders that are committed to compliance, and will not allow one to operate independently, endangering Arkansans.”
The Peppermint Hippo will have 15 days to appeal. An appeal will result in a full hearing before the full ABC Board. However, the permit will remain revoked, pending this hearing.
ABC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
“I fully support and appreciate the decision to revoke the Peppermint Hippo’s permit,” said DFA Secretary Jim Hudson. “This establishment does not represent the good people of Arkansas. ABC and DFA will continue to take every action possible to stop reckless, dangerous behavior. This revocation reflects our commitment to compliance.”
Find more information on ABC at Alcoholic Beverage Control – Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
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