Lakota activists who rushed to submit a petition seeking a vote on a beer license near sacred Bear Butte were blocked by commissioners in Meade County, South Dakota, on Thursday.

The Bear Butte International Alliance collected more than enough signatures to call a vote. But the commission unilaterally determined that the approval of the license was an "administrative action" that cannot be put on the ballot.

Lakota activists have already filed two court challenges to the beer license for the campground and saloon. A challenge could also come to a liquor license the county approved for a concert venue near Bear Butte.

The campground/saloon owner is now planning to seek a full liquor license that would be transferred from another bar. A hearing is expected next month.

Get the Story:
Meade County voters won't decide on beer sales (The Rapid City Journal 5/5)

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

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