STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis City Council on a 7-1 vote approved a much-discussed malt beverage and SD Farm Wine License for Freedom LLC this week.
The license was discussed because the LLC has so far, failed to get a permanent structure at the lot of Main and Middle Street.
The council granted the licenses in 2022 with the condition a permanent structure was completed within a one year. That didn’t happen and the license was not renewed in 2023.
Tia Hartwell, representing Freedom LLC, told council members she and her husband had purchased the property and parted ways with their former business partner.
Hartwell has indicated her intention to utilize a temporary structure, specifically containers, for operations during the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with plans to construct a permanent facility compliant with all applicable codes and regulations within one year.
The council voted 7-1, with Mark Chaplin voting no, to give Hartwell her licenses with the requirement a permanent structure is up by next year’s renewal hearing.
