SPEARFISH - The two-month-old Spearfish Rec Center is no place for mixing people and alcohol, city officials say.

The Spearfish City Council has voted to prohibit alcohol at the center, including private gatherings in the rec center's rear arena.

Spearfish Public Works Director Cheryl Johnson said there have been requests to use the back room for wedding receptions and other events that traditionally include drinking. That portion of the center is the former Wal-Mart store's back room. Partygoers would have to wade through the recreation center to get to and from the private event.