Deadwood Commissioners Fear Turning Gambling Town Into ‘Party City’

DEADWOOD — (Associated Press) - Commissioners in the western South Dakota gambling town of Deadwood have voted against allowing open containers of alcohol on Main Street during weekends.

The Rapid City Journal reports that the Monday night vote was 3-2 against the measure, despite recommendations by the city’s chamber of commerce and its independent business club that there be a 30-day trial.

Casino general manager Peter DeMangus said allowing people to roam the downtown area with beers in hand would create atmosphere.

But commissioners who voted against the move said they feared it would turn Deadwood into too much of a party town.