Two more licenses to sell beer near sacred Bear Butte were approved on Friday as a court challenge filed by Native activists was rejected.

The Meade County Commission approved the licenses despite opposition from Native activists and some residents. The commission previously approved a beer license and a full liquor license.

Native activists circulated a petition to call the beer license to a countywide vote but the commission rejected it. After taking the issue to court, a judge on Friday upheld the commission's decision.

To protest increased development at Bear Butte associated with the Sturgis motorcycle rally, Native activists are holding a monthlong encampment at the base of the mountain. The rally takes place in early August.

Get the Story:
Bear Butte beer license foes dealt setbacks (The Rapid City Journal 7/8)

Relevant Links:
Bear Butte International Alliance - http://matopaha.org/wp
Defenders of the Black Hills - http://www.defendblackhills.org

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