At the Nov. 21 meeting, the Pierre City Commission established rules to manage special alcohol licenses within Pierre city limits.
Special licenses are short-term licenses used for special events only. They can’t be used for ongoing day-to-day business.
“State law gives authority to local governments to establish parameters for special alcohol licenses within the local jurisdictions,” said Twila Hoffrogge, City Finance Officer.
Effective Dec. 22, in Pierre, an eligible applicant can receive no more than 20 special alcohol licenses per calendar year. There are two types of eligible applicants -those who hold a liquor license in Hughes or Stanley Counties or Pierre or Fort Pierre and other non-profits or civic groups.
“The intent is to protect the liquor license investments in Pierre without hindering the opportunity for special events,” said Kristi Honeywell, City Administrator. “Typically, we see special alcohol licenses used for fundraisers or community celebrations like Oahe Days.”
“Without these rules in place, someone holding a liquor license in Rapid City could essentially run a bar in Pierre without ever obtaining a local liquor license,” said Honeywell.
The special license fee is $150 per day.