An Arizona businessman who is opening a biker bar near sacred Bear Butte in South Dakota has bigger plans in store, The Nation reports in its July 10 issue.

Jay Allen already won a license to serve beer at the Broken Spoke Saloon on 600 acres next to Bear Butte. But he also plans to open a rodeo arena by 2008 on the site.

Several tribes, Native activists, non-Native ranchers and religious groups oppose the development. They say it will harm ceremonies and prayers at Bear Butte but have not been able to convince the county commission to deny liquor licenses for Allen's bar and another bar.

The bars are being built in time for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The event attracts upwards of 650,000 bikers to the Bear Butte area.

Get the Story:
Biker Mecca on Sacred Ground (The Nation July 10 Issue)

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

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