The Bismarck City Commission approved, on Tuesday, the transfer of Midway Tavern’s liquor license to BHB LLC, the for‑profit subsidiary of the Bismarck Hockey Boosters. The tavern, located on Sweet Avenue, will remain unchanged, according to a manager for BHB LLC, who said the sale is expected to close in December.
Mayor emphasizes limited city role
Mayor Michael Schmitz addressed the commission’s authority during the meeting, stating, “It’s a license. We can approve the transfer. We have no control over who can own them (bars).” His comment underscored the city’s procedural role rather than any substantive oversight of the business.
Charitable gaming at the heart of the deal
The Bismarck Hockey Boosters explained that the acquisition secures a stable venue for charitable gaming at Midway Tavern. In a statement, the organization highlighted that charitable gaming provides a “significant and well‑regulated funding source” supporting ice time, program costs, scholarships, facility improvements and other opportunities for roughly 800 boys and girls who participate in BHB programs each year.
By keeping the gaming site in place, the boosters reduce reliance on the annual placement process for locations throughout the Bismarck‑Mandan area. The statement also clarified that “gaming proceeds and regulated trust funds are not used to acquire or operate the business,” reinforcing the separation between charitable funds and the for‑profit entity.
Local context and broader practice
The Bismarck Hockey Boosters also own Tap‑In Tavern in Bismarck, further embedding their presence in the local hospitality scene. According to the North Dakota Gaming Alliance, at least 22 other bars across the state are owned by entities tied to charitable gaming organizations, a legal practice recognized in North Dakota’s regulatory framework.
No representatives from either Midway Tavern LLC or BHB LLC spoke during the public comment period, and the commission’s vote proceeded without additional objections.
What this means for the community
The license transfer ensures that charitable gaming continues to generate revenue for youth hockey programs, preserving a vital source of funding for equipment, travel and facility upgrades. For local families and supporters of the sport, the decision represents stability and a continued partnership between the city’s regulatory processes and community‑focused nonprofit initiatives.
As the transaction moves toward completion in December, BHB LLC plans to maintain the tavern’s current operations, providing a familiar gathering place for patrons while supporting the broader mission of the Bismarck Hockey Boosters.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
