Omaha Tribe barred from imposing alcohol tax

Wednesday, April 18, 2007  

A federal judge temporarily barred the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska from imposing an alcohol tax on business who claim they aren't under tribal jurisdiction.

In January, the tribe's 10 percent liquor tax and liquor license regulations went into effect. That prompted several businesses in Pender to file a federal lawsuit, based in part on the advice of state attorney general Jon Bruning.

Bruning cited a 2001 attorney general opinion that said Pender is no longer part of the Omaha Reservation. So the businesses claim they can't be subjected to the tribe's regulations.

Separately, a tribal member has filed suit against Bruning. Gail Bertucci claims Bruning overstepped his authority by saying the reservation has been diminished.

Get the Story:
Judge halts enforcement of tribal liquor tax (AP 4/18)

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