This bill amends South Dakota law to increase the number of off-sale licenses that can be issued in municipalities and counties with a population of one thousand or less from two to three. Specifically, it modifies the existing language in section 35-4-10 to allow for this increase while maintaining the stipulation that for populations above one thousand, one additional license may be issued for every additional fifteen hundred residents. The bill also clarifies that the number of off-sale licenses cannot be less than the total number of licenses that were allowable as of July 1, 1981, which have never been revoked or not reissued.

Additionally, the bill amends section 35-4-11.1 to ensure that the number of off-sale licenses issued does not exceed three for the first one thousand of population and one for each additional fifteen hundred, consistent with the changes made in section 35-4-10. It also reiterates that a county off-sale license cannot be issued for retailers located within three miles of an incorporated municipality's boundary. The amendments aim to provide more flexibility in the issuance of off-sale licenses in smaller communities, potentially enhancing local business opportunities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/19/2025: 35-4-10
House Commerce and Energy Engrossed, 01/29/2025: 35-4-10, 35-4-11.1
House Engrossed, 02/04/2025: 35-4-10, 35-4-11.1
Enrolled, 02/27/2025: 35-4-10, 35-4-11.1