Gaming Board Pushes for Alcohol Sales

As reported by the North Carolina Citizen-Times: "For the third time in 16 years, members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are debating whether to allow a tribal-wide vote on the sale of alcoholic beverages.

"Both times before the issue of selling alcohol on the Cherokee Indian Reservation has polarized this largely conservative, churchgoing community. This time, the referendum vote would permit sales only at Harrah's Cherokee Casino, and not at other reservation businesses.

"The Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise board is spearheading the effort. Members on Thursday plan to ask Tribal Council for the referendum, according to a meeting agenda. The gaming board is made up of tribal members nominated by the principal chief and appointed by Tribal Council. Members of the gaming board supervise Harrah's management.

"…The gaming board told Tribal Council earlier this year that alcohol sales would increase gambling revenue.

"The tribe's 13,500-members get a payout twice a year from casino profits called a per-capita check. Members received about $4,000 each in their most recent checks…"