Bikes Blues and BBQ Changes?

Right now it`s illegal for motorcycle dealers to sell outside their franchise area, but if passed, the bill would give dealers all over the country access to Bikes Blues and BBQ. Every year, Bikes Blues and BBQ brings motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the United States here to Fayetteville. But because of restrictions from the state Motor Vehicle Commission bike dealers from all over can`t bring their products. Only dealers in Washington County can sell and display their bikes at the festival. But the proposed law-- sponsored by state Senator Sue Madison (D)-Fayetteville - would let those out-of-county dealers in, giving them a permit to temporarily sell outside their franchise area. "When we have a big motorcycle event like Bikes Blues and BBQ, there are a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts here and so the dealers would really like to be able to temporarily go outside their franchise areas to be able to show their motorcycles or sell them," Madison says. The law would only allow permits for festivals that bring in $3-million or more, last a maximum of 7 days and occur only once a year. Only Bikes Blues and BBQ and the Harley Owners Group rally in Hot Springs meet those requirements. Bikes Blues and BBQ board members say they support the bill because it would mean more sales tax revenue for the city and state. Senator Madison agrees. "Some of these bikes can be rather staggering with their price tags, so it would be good for Arkansas and good for the festival to even just sell one...it brings more attention to the festival, people really want to see these cool bikes so the more of them that are on display, the more people will come and participate in the activities."