LITTLE ROCK (AP) — Restaurants, bars, wholesalers and others could see a hike in the annual fees they pay the state under a proposal before the Legislature.

Sen. Robert Thompson, D-Paragould, filed legislation Wednesday that would increase the permit fees while at the same time loosening restrictions on Sunday sales at clubs and restaurants.

Thompson said he is carrying the bill for the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, which says the fee hikes are needed help boost its staff.

The fee hikes being proposed include raising the maximum cost for a wh...