PIERRE, S.D. (AP) An effort on the behalf of American Indians to make alcohol off-limits near Bear Butte was rejected today in the South Dakota Legislature.

The mountain on the outskirts of Sturgis is sacred to Indians, and many of them go there to pray.

HB1309 would have prohibited alcohol beverage sales within 1 mile of Bear Butte.

Representative Jim Bradford of Pine Ridge says increased development in the area is encroaching on the mountain and should be stopped.

But the House Commerce Committee did not agree. It rejected Bradford's proposed buffer zone by a vote of 9-4.

(By AP Writer Joe Kafka) (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-06-08 1324CST | save this article / add to your favorites list