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Alcohol sales hour change sent to full council without recommendation after first-responder testimony
Summary
After public commenters and first responders described early-morning intoxication and ambulance responses, the committee voted to forward Ordinance No. 6,632 (changing off-premises alcohol sale hours) to the full city council without recommendation for broader discussion and testimony.
The Legal & Finance Committee on Aug. 14 forwarded Ordinance No. 6,632 — a proposed change to permissible hours for off-premises alcohol sales — to the full city council without recommendation after public comment and extensive testimony from first responders.
Public commenter Mike Kwazny said alcohol has restricted residents’ use of parks and urged community-wide solutions. "I want my parks back," he said, describing repeated incidents of public intoxication that limit families’ access to public space.
Ryan Marks, captain with the Rapid City Fire Department, gave data to the committee: "Last 30 days, Rapid City Fire Department has responded to 171 EMS calls for service" between roughly midnight and 10 a.m. in the downtown corridor and adjacent areas, and "we had 36 ambulances roll out the door in the last 30 days directly related to alcohol," which Marks estimated at just under $20,000 in ambulance costs over that period. He said a limited three-hour restriction could give responders a window to reduce repeated early-morning intoxication and allow partner agencies time to triage and treat.
Lieutenant Tim Doyle of the Rapid City Police Department added that multiple agencies — police, fire, the care campus, addiction counseling and hospitals — had discussed the issue and largely agreed the ordinance is one tool among a broader set of interventions.
Councilmember Lindsey Seacrest moved to forward the ordinance to the full council without recommendation; Biberdorf seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote. The item will be considered by the full city council at its next meeting, where council members and additional stakeholders may weigh in.
