Despite strong opposition from tribes and some local residents, the Meade County Commission in South Dakota voted 5-0 on Tuesday to approve a beer license for a bar near sacred Bear Butte.

The commission heard two hours of comment on the issue. According to The Rapid City Journal, most of the people spoke against a beer license for landowner Jay Allen, who plans a bar and campground near the place where tribal members hold ceremonies, make offerings and go to pray.

The meeting was proceeded by a march of more than 400 people, The Journal reported. The large crowd was unable to fit inside the courtroom used by the commission.

The Bear Butte International Alliance is leading opposition to the bar. The group, along with tribes and Lakota activists, want a five-mile buffer zone around Bear Butte.

Get the Story:
Beer sales get unanimous OK (The Rapid City Journal 4/5)
Beer license approved for biker complex near sacred mountain (AP 4/5)

Relevant Links:
Defenders of the Black Hills - http://www.defendblackhills.org/defenders

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Opinion: Land use plans ignore tribal traditions (12/12)
Editorial: Permanent protection for Bear Butte (11/28)
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Non-Indians press for access at sacred Bear Butte (07/16)
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