Citizen Potawatomi Nation in arbitration over alcohol at casino


The Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Photo from Citizen Potawatomi Nation

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the state of Oklahoma are in arbitration over the sale of liquor at the tribe's casino.

The tribe has a federally-approved liquor ordinance as well as a liquor license from the state. But the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission says the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort can't serve liquor on Sundays due to a ban in Pottawatomie County.

The dispute will now be heard under arbitration proceedings that are authorized by the Class III gaming compact. Appeals could be filed in federal court.

“The compact expressly states that the sale and service of alcoholic beverages will be in compliance with state, federal and tribal law; which we have complied with since day one ... this attempt to force us to comply with the county liquor law is a direct violation of our agreement,” Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett told The Oklahoman.

Get the Story:
Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement's dispute with tribe over Sunday liquor sales headed to arbitration (The Oklahoman 11/15)

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