Unsold liquor licenses
Summary
Spearfish has two off-sale licenses ($100,000) and one on-sale license ($300,000) that drew zero bids three times in a row. The council is weighing whether to set them at fixed prices via fee resolution so buyers can apply directly, while keeping prices high enough not to devalue licenses already held. A decision is expected at a future meeting, possibly November, effective January 1.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 14, 2026.
Impact analysis
Selling the licenses could bring up to $500,000 into city coffers; publication costs for re-bidding are under $30.
Business owners who want to enter Spearfish's liquor market would get a clearer, faster path to buying a license — and the city gains new revenue.
None identified — though buyers who felt prices were too high may still find the fixed fees steep.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Council - Oct 14, 2026
Spearfish has two off-sale licenses ($100,000) and one on-sale license ($300,000) that drew zero bids three times in a row. The council is weighing whether to set them at fixed prices via fee resolution so buyers can apply directly, while keeping prices high enough not to devalue licenses already held. A decision is expected at a future meeting, possibly November, effective January 1.
City Council - Jul 15, 2026
One bar license (minimum bid $300,000) and two package liquor licenses ($100,000 each) could go back up for sealed bid. There's strong interest in the package licenses, but prospective bar-license buyers say the $300K floor is too high — some found they can qualify for the cheaper restaurant license instead.
City Council - Jun 1, 2026
Aruma, a new Mexican restaurant on East Colorado Boulevard, got a restaurant liquor license; Lasagna Mountain on Yukon Place can now serve wine and cider.
City Council - Jan 28, 2026
The city has an off-sale and an on-sale liquor license no one bid on, even after lowering minimums to $100,000 and $300,000. Council agreed to sit on them for six months rather than drop prices further.
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