Casino Alcohol Debate Galvanizes Tribe

As reported by the Smoky Mountain Casino: "A debate over whether to sell alcohol at Harrah's Cherokee Casino has pitted conservative tribal members against the economic interests of the casino, which generates revenue for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

"The Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise board appeared before the Cherokee tribal council last Thursday (Jan. 5) with a proposal to sell alcohol at the casino. The gaming board wanted a referendum that would put the issue to a vote of all enrolled members.

"About 50 people packed the council house, many planning to speak out against the move. But a potentially volatile discussion was nipped in the bud when the gaming board withdrew its request.

"…Some council members were likely relieved the controversial issue was taken off their plate, at least for now. Others who are against the idea were disappointed. They hoped to vote to kill the gaming board request and prevent it from coming back up. By withdrawing the request, however, the gaming board can bring it back up at any time…"