Watertown City Council Reviews Alcohol Violations, Hears Testimony, and Approves Multiple Licenses and Transfers
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council moved through a lengthy series of alcohol‑related public hearings Monday night, addressing four renewal applications tied to alcohol sales violations, two new license applications, and two license transfers at Stony Point. While all items were ultimately approved, several drew testimony and clarification from business representatives and city officials.
Finance Officer Kristen Bobzien opened the discussion by explaining why the first four renewals required public hearings.
“The four that we’re going to talk about here all did have violations — it was under sale to a minor,” Bobzien said. “Part of the requirement is if there is a violation on a license, they do have to come before the city council for a public hearing.”
All fees were paid, notices published, and each business was eligible for renewal.
Legends Renewal Approved Following Violation Review
The first renewal involved MADJIK LLC, doing business as Legends at 825 3rd Street SW. No one came forward to speak during the public hearing.
The council approved the renewal unanimously.
Prairie Stop Renewal Approved Without Testimony
Next, the council reviewed the renewal for Stone Oil Co., Inc., operating as Prairie Stop at 1007 9th Avenue SW. Like Legends, Prairie Stop had a violation for selling alcohol to a minor.
No one testified, and the council approved the renewal unanimously.
Aldi Store Manager Testifies After First Alcohol Violation
The most detailed testimony of the night came during the renewal hearing for Aldi Foods #111, located at 2822 8th Avenue SE. Mayor Ried Holien invited the store manager to speak.
Store Manager Darcy Esslinger stepped forward and addressed the council directly.
“This is our first violation of alcohol sales,” Esslinger said. “We made the employee redo training after the violation and again this year.”
Esslinger told the council that Aldi issued written disciplinary action.
“We did give him written documentation that if he does this again, he will be terminated from Aldi,” she said.
She also described new safeguards implemented at the register:
“We now require him to type in the date, the birthday, and everything in the register so it will flag automatically if they’re underage.”
Councilman Dan Schutte thanked Esslinger for appearing.
“Sometimes we don’t want to minimize these things — these are a big deal,” Schutte said. “Appreciate your work on that.”
Mayor Ried Holien echoed the sentiment, noting that while attendance isn’t required, it was appreciated.
The council approved the renewal unanimously.
Walgreens Renewal Approved Without Testimony
The final renewal tied to a violation involved Walgreens Co., operating as Walgreens #10007 at 421 9th Avenue SE.
No one testified, and the council approved the renewal unanimously.
Kinlin Ramen & Sushi Teriyaki Approved for Two New Licenses
The council then reviewed two new applications for Kinlin Ramen & Sushi Teriyaki Inc., which is opening in the former Downtown Sushi location at 18 N Broadway.
Finance Officer Bobzien confirmed all requirements were met.
The council approved:
· A Retail (on‑off sale) Malt Beverage & SD Farm Wine License
· A Retail (on‑off sale) Wine & Cider License
Both passed unanimously with no public testimony.
Captain Beavers License Transfers, Draw Questions, and Testimony
A discussion occurred during the transfer hearings for Bobby D’s LLC, doing business as Captain Beavers, which is moving from 724 Stony Point Trail to 665 Stony Point Trail.
Finance Officer Bobzien clarified:
“This is a transfer of the location, not the ownership.”
A representative for Captain Beavers, Bob Drake, came forward at the council’s request to explain the move.
“Just down the road from 724 Stony Point Trail, there’s a white house,” he said. “In the basement of that house, we have constructed a kind of convenience store… right next to the boat ramp.”
He described the new setup:
· A mini bar
· Bait and convenience items
· A large concrete deck for grilling and gathering
Councilman Dan Schutte asked for clarification on the relocation, prompting the testimony.
The council approved:
· The Retail (on‑sale) Liquor License & Video Lottery License transfer
· The Retail (on‑off sale) Malt Beverage & SD Farm Wine License transfer
Both passed unanimously.
