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SEPTEMBER 18, 2000

The ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol on the Yakama Nation went into effect yesterday.

The state's Attorney General said he may sue the tribe, saying they don't have a right to regulate the alcohol usage of non-Indians or on non-Indian owned land.

The US Attorney's office said they will issue a position on the issue. The tribe believes the US should support them, due to a treaty rights stipulation regarding alcohol.

The tribe isn't planning on making arrests or shutting down businesses yet. They also won't target private alcohol usage.

One supermarket removed wine and beer from its shelves, out of respect for the tribe.

Get the Story:
Business as usual on Yakama reservation despite alcohol ban (The Seattle Times 9/18)