(a)

(1) Any hotel or restaurant as defined in § 3-9-202 desiring to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption shall make application to the Director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division for a permit upon forms prescribed and furnished by the director and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

(2)

(A) If the hotel or restaurant is owned by a partnership, whether regular or limited, a nonpartner manager or operator may be issued the permit provided that he or she meets the other qualifications required by this section.

(B) The failure of one (1) or more partners to be residents of this state shall not be grounds for denial of the permit.

(b) No applicant shall be authorized to make any such sales until a permit is approved and issued by the director.

(c) The board shall have authority to require an applicant, under oath, to disclose the following information:

(1) The name of the applicant;

(2) Location of the hotel or restaurant;

(3) Sufficient data to establish that the applicant meets the requirements of § 3-9-202;

(4) The names and addresses of all owners of the hotel or restaurant;

(5) That the applicant is a citizen or resident alien of the United States and a resident of Arkansas on the date of application, and if a corporation, duly qualified to do business in this state;

(6) That neither the applicant nor any person to be employed in the serving of beverages authorized herein shall be a person who has been convicted within five (5) years of the date of his or her employment of any violation of the laws against possession, sale, manufacture, or transportation of intoxicating liquor, or convicted of a felony;

(7) That the manager or operator of the hotel or restaurant seeking the permit is of good moral character and not a convicted felon; and

(8) Such other relevant information as may be required.

(d) Every permit issued under this subchapter shall be for an indeterminate period, subject to compliance with the annual renewal requirements herein prescribed and shall not be transferable or assignable, as to owner or premises, except upon the written approval of the director.