Local businesses unite behind proposal for Branson entertainment districts

The city of Branson is considering establishing entertainment districts. This would allow people to bring alcoholic beverages into designated outdoor spaces within the entertainment districts. The state legislature must help make this happen.

Becky Blair, the Director of Marketing and Events at Branson Landing, presented the idea to the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board) on September 8, 2026. She made a formal presentation to the Board asking for assistance to have Branson Landing recognized as an ‘entertainment district’ by listing entertainment districts on the city’s list of state legislative priorities. 

Even with state approval, an active drinking zone within a given entertainment district is not guaranteed. Approval by the state would only permit the establishment of an entertainment district, leaving, in the majority, the operational constraints for its operation, such as boundaries, hours, prohibition of outside alcohol being introduced into the entertainment district and signage, etc. 

While the impetus comes from Branson Landing, the state law would give the city at large the authority to establish such districts and would not be confined to the Landing. If the bill passes in Jefferson City, the power would not be confined to the Landing.

Blair pointed out that entertainment districts would be another way to foster tourism and economic growth. With some regulatory red tape gone, business managers and city officials can put on multi-day events like an Oktoberfest or Food and Wine Festival, get more people to visit Branson, stay longer and spend more. If the bill passes in Jefferson City, the power would not be confined to the Landing.

On October 6, 2026, during a special board meeting to discuss state legislative priorities, Blair presented evidence of the universal local support for the entertainment district proposal. Among others this list includes the Chamber of Commerce where every board member voted to support the proposal, Silver Dollar City, Sight and Sound Theater, Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, Legends in Concert and Ballparks of America, the Hiltons of Branson, the Branson Convention Center, Westgate Resorts and Hotel, the Grand Victorian, Central Bank of Branson, Branson Bank and Table Rock Community Bank, Commercial One Brokers, Central Bank of Branson, Branson Bank, Table Rock Community Bank, White River Valley Electric Co-op, The Keeter Center, OTC Table Rock Campus, State Park Marina, Grand Country Music Hall and Kinetic Design.

During that meeting, the Board clarified that it is requesting state legislation to grant the city the authority to establish entertainment districts while keeping full local control over exact boundaries, security and regulations with elected officials.

Rather than taking a final legislative vote during this meeting, the Board agreed to minor wording refinements and directed staff to place the state legislative priorities resolution (which includes the entertainment district request) on the agenda for an upcoming regular board of aldermen meeting for formal approval.