Downtown Drinking Proposal in Deadwood Meets with Opposition

DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) — The owner of a saloon on Deadwood's Main Street wants patrons to be able to roam downtown with drinks in hand year-round, but the idea doesn't sit well with some.

Gunslingers Saloon owner Lacey Kirwan believes a relaxed alcohol ordinance would attract more tourists to the Old West gambling town and boost business.

But opponents believe it would increase public drunkenness and strain police resources. The Rapid City Journal reports that the City Commission rejected the proposal Tuesday.

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Kirwan says she she'll push the commission to reconsider. And Deadwood Chamber Executive Director Lee Harstad also doesn't believe the issue has been put to rest.

A survey of chamber members last fall showed 58 percent favored allowing open containers from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

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