Holien supports mandatory appearances for businesses that sell alcohol, tobacco to minors (Audio)

November 17, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–This week, the Watertown City Council renewed alcohol licenses for three businesses that had previous violations that included selling to underage customers or serving after hours.

The north Cowboy Country Store, Dakota Butcher West and Johnny Ringo’s each had representatives appear before the council Monday night to explain the misdeeds; how and why they happened, and what measures they’ll take in an attempt to prevent it from happening again. 

But they all appeared voluntarily. There’s no requirement that a violator be mandated to appear before the council when their license is up for renewal.

Mayor Ried Holien tells KWAT News he’d like to see that changed….

Watertown police and the Codington County Sheriff’s Department periodically hold unannounced alcohol and tobacco compliance checks to see if businesses are selling to underage customers.