NPR: Oglala Sioux Tribe weighs next move on Whiteclay liquor

Friday, October 12, 2012  

"Anheuser-Busch, Pabst and MillerCoors are among the big beer makers the Oglala Sioux tribe has accused of illegally selling millions of cans of beer each year in Whiteclay, Neb. The town borders Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which is located across the state line in South Dakota and is dry.

The Oglala Sioux's federal case was thrown out, and the tribe is considering what to do next — legalize alcohol or go to state court.

Lying on sidewalks in Whiteclay, passed out against storefronts day and night, are some Native Americans who come here every day to drink. The town has just one central road, a grocery, a couple of abandoned buildings and four liquor stores. Each year, those four stores sell what amounts to 4 million cans of beer.

And who lives in Whiteclay? According to the latest census: 11 people. That's right. Only 11 residents in a town that sells 4 million cans of beer each year."

Get the Story:
Native American Tribe's Battle Over Beer Brews (NPR 10/12)

Related Stories:
Oglala Sioux Tribe could tap into revenues from sale of alcohol (10/10)
Oglala Sioux Tribe urged to end liquor sales ban on reservation (10/5)