The Peppermint Hippo, a club located in North Little Rock, has petitioned Pulaski County Circuit Judge Timothy Fox to temporarily reinstate its liquor license. The request comes as the business pursues a lawsuit against the Arkansas Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board to permanently regain its ability to sell alcohol.
The ABC Board unanimously revoked the club’s license on March 18, 2026, following a series of 15 regulatory violations. Among the cited incidents was the overserving of a patron, 34-year-old John Alvares Ribeiro, who subsequently wandered onto Interstate 40 in November 2021 and was struck and killed by a vehicle. Other violations included allegations of lewd conduct and failure to comply with “good neighbor” policies.
In a June 16 court filing, the club’s attorney, Doris Magsayo, argued that the revocation process was biased, specifically pointing to pre-revocation communications between ABC Board Director Christy Bjornson and the victim’s family. The club claims that the absence of a liquor license has caused significant financial and reputational damage.
The state, represented by Deputy Attorney General Michael Lewis, maintains that the board acted within its authority. Lewis noted that the board reviewed all 15 charges individually and provided the club with ample opportunity to defend itself, arguing that the “egregious conduct” justified the summary suspension.
Judge Fox has scheduled a hearing for the lawsuit on August 3, 2026.