Arkansas Regulators Revoke Liquor License of North Little Rock Club

Peppermint Hippo cited for pattern of violations including serving patron who later died

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:40pm

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The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has voted unanimously to revoke the liquor license of the Peppermint Hippo, an adult entertainment club in North Little Rock, after citing a pattern of violations spanning several years, including an incident in 2021 where a patron was served 21 drinks before being removed and later struck and killed by a vehicle on Interstate 40.

Why it matters

The revocation raises concerns about public safety and the responsibility of establishments to operate within regulations, particularly in the adult entertainment industry where alcohol service can be a contributing factor to dangerous incidents. The decision also highlights the state's enforcement actions against businesses that repeatedly violate liquor laws.

The details

Investigations by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Alcoholic Beverage Control division, including an undercover operation, identified multiple violations at the Peppermint Hippo club, such as improper physical contact between entertainers and patrons. Similar issues were documented as recently as April 2025. State officials said the violations raised concerns about public safety and the club's responsibility to operate within regulations.

  • In November 2021, patron John Ribeiro was served 21 drinks at the club before being removed and later struck and killed by a vehicle on Interstate 40.
  • In January 2026, the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board initially voted to revoke the club's liquor license.
  • On March 20, 2026, the Board upheld its decision to revoke the Peppermint Hippo's liquor license after an 11-hour review.

The players

Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board

The state regulatory agency that oversees alcohol sales and service in Arkansas, including the revocation of the Peppermint Hippo's liquor license.

Peppermint Hippo

An adult entertainment club in North Little Rock, Arkansas that had its liquor license revoked by the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

John Ribeiro

A patron of the Peppermint Hippo club who was served 21 drinks in the early morning hours of November 15, 2021, before being removed from the premises and later struck and killed by a vehicle on Interstate 40.

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What they’re saying

“The revocation would significantly harm the business and the establishment had been unfairly targeted.”

— Attorneys for the Peppermint Hippo

“The enforcement actions were consistent with how similar violations would be handled elsewhere.”

— State officials

What’s next

The North Little Rock location was one of two Peppermint Hippo clubs in Arkansas holding alcohol permits, so the revocation of the license at this location raises questions about the status of the other club's liquor license as well.

The takeaway

This case highlights the state's efforts to hold adult entertainment establishments accountable for irresponsible alcohol service and other violations that can jeopardize public safety. It also underscores the importance of liquor license regulations in the adult industry, where alcohol consumption can be a contributing factor to dangerous incidents.