Redfield Council Denies Liquor License Based on Character

REDFIELD, S.D. (AP) — The City Council in Redfield has refused to grant a retail liquor license to a man who crashed into a van filled with high school girls while driving drunk in 2012.

Sixty-one-year-old Dennis Weideman was seeking the license to operate a bar in town. The American News reports that the council's decision to reject his request came after a public hearing with emotional testimony.

Scott Anderson is the father of one of the five girls who suffered minor injuries in the 2012 crash. He said issuing Weideman a liquor license would be detrimental to the community.

Weideman said no one feels worse about the crash than he does, and that he doesn't drink and drive anymore.

The council cited "questionable moral character" for denying the license.

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