STURGIS, S.D. – It’s been talked about for years, but never acted upon – allowing open containers of alcohol outside on Main Street Sturgis during the annual Motorcycle Rally.
The topic was discussed at Monday night’s council meeting.
City leaders say having open container allowed during the Rally creates a more welcoming environment for visitors.
City Manager Daniel Ainslie says it would allow a more relaxed, inviting experience throughout the downtown corridor.
City officials also believe it could establish a new, significant revenue stream for vendors, the city and most importantly, a new revenue possibility for Sturgis Rally Charities.
Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen says “I believe that over the years since Sturgis Rally Charities has been in existence, it’s constantly been a struggle to find revenue. I believe the answer to that is to set up an endowment that will help create a large sum of money where interest is gained.”
City officials believe with the termination of the contract with SMRi, new funding sources to help Sturgis Rally Charities need to be found.
Ainslie says allowing open container could also help solve the problem of rally patrons taking drinks outside bars and dining establishments and being told to get rid of them.
The proposed plan consists of allowing an open container within an approximate area of Main and Lazelle Streets. Consumption of either beer or wine would also be restricted to a special event cup. Open container would be allowed for a nine-day period during the rally from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day.
That special event cup would be the main ingredient to help bring in revenue by charging a certain amount for it.
The council made no decision Monday night, but plan on continuing discussion.
