Eastern Cherokees plan for vote on alcohol outside of casino

Wednesday, January 18, 2012  

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is preparing for an April 15 vote that will determine whether alcohol sales will be allowed across the reservation.

Currently, alcohol sales are limited to the Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Tribal members who own businesses on the reservation want a chance to cash in on the new industry.

But there is significant opposition from others who want the reservation to remain dry. Some say individual communities should be allowed to reject liquor sales.

The April 15 vote will determine whether the tribe can operate its own liquor store, whether tribally-licensed restaurants can sell beer, wine and liquor and whether tribally-licensed grocery stores and convenience stores can sell beer and wine. Tribal members can vote for all, none, or any of the three options.

Get the Story:
All or nothing? Cherokee ponders whether to tailor upcoming alcohol vote (The Smoky Mountain News 1/18)
One facade at a time: Cherokee makes over downtown appeal (The Smoky Mountain News 1/18)