RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Council has voted not to amend an ordinance that would have extended the prohibited selling hours of alcohol.
A seven to three vote kept the existing ordinance in place after several public members voiced their opinions.
Public sentiment was mixed at the meeting, with some speakers arguing in favor of the restriction citing early morning drunk driving and public intoxication as harmful perceived side effects. Others questioned an amendment’s efficacy and shared concerns about negative impacts on local businesses.
The vote no to amend means prohibited hours will remain from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The proposal was to extend that to 10:00 a.m.
Concerns of intoxicated individuals in the morning hours brought about the proposed extension.
