Tribes face challenge over liquor at casinos

Monday, July 23, 2007  

Two tribes, one in California and the other in New York, are facing challenges to serving liquor at their casinos.

The Barona Band of Mission Indians in California won a state liquor license in 2004. Since then, the local sheriff says drunken-driving crashes have gone up.

An administrative law judge is holding a hearing on Tuesday to determine whether the tribe can keep its license. The tribe has already placed limits on where alcohol can be served at the casino.

Over in New York, the Oneida Nation is seeking approval for its first liquor license. The tribe wants the license in time for the PGA Tour event it is hosting in mid-September.

The tribe says it has dealt responsibly with state agencies. But opponents note that the tribe operates its casino on land that isn't held in trust.

Get the Story:
Barona faces challenge over liquor license (The San Diego Union-Tribune 7/22)
Oneidas pursue liquor license (The Syracuse Post-Standard 7/21)