Omaha Tribe heading back in court in alcohol taxation dispute

Tuesday, February 19, 2013  

The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska is heading back to court to defend its right to tax alcohol sales on the reservation.

The tribe's court issued a decision on February 4 that affirmed the boundaries of the reservation to include the town of Pender. But non-Indian bar owners there are disputing the tribe's jurisdiction in federal court and a status conference is being held this afternoon via telephone.

"[T]he Omaha Tribe welcomes the continued right to exercise regulatory authority throughout the Omaha Reservation and will work with federal, state and local authorities to advance the public interest of the community," Chairman Rodney Morris said in a statement.

The federal judge handling the case described the tribal court's decision as "thorough and thoughtful."

Get the Story:
Omaha Tribe wins round in booze tax fight (AP 2/19)

Relevant Documents:
Status Report [Includes tribal court decision] | Court Order