Ordinance Passes To Sell Wine On Downtown Mitchell Sidewalks

Mitchell, SD

Wine will soon be served on city sidewalks in downtown Mitchell. 60 percent of the town's voters approved the ordinance which had been debated for years.

The Mitchell ordinance would allow certain restaurants to sell wine on sidewalks outside the buildings.

"It's most likely that there's gonna be several other businesses that already exist that will take the City up on this opportunity here this year. There's also been quite a bit of interest from new, possible business owners," Executive Director of Mitchell Main Street and Beyond Molly Goldsmith said.

Before downtown businesses can start serving wine on their sidewalks, there are a few steps they have to go through first, including applying for a new permit, and paying a fee to the city.

Goldsmith says the ordinance will create economic growth by attracting locals and tourists to the downtown area.

"With the Corn Palace on the North end of the historic district, it means that we can invite our tourists to stroll, spend some more time, and of course that means spending more money and perhaps staying the night in Mitchell which is always a great opportunity for our community," Goldsmith said.

Not everyone likes the move.

"I think it's special interest legislation. It affects only two businesses in Mitchell. I think that's the wrong way to go about passing laws or ordinances. And if we're gonna do that, then we need to broaden the sidewalks," Mitchell City Councilman Mel Olson said.

Olson predicts that businesses could be serving wine on downtown sidewalks by the end of the month.

The Mitchell City Council will canvas the vote next Monday before businesses can apply for a permit. The first applications will be considered at a council meeting June 16.

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