Federal judge set to rule on Omaha Tribe's liquor taxation case

Wednesday, February 20, 2013  

A federal judge is expected to rule later this year in a dispute between the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and non-Indian retailers.

The tribe requires businesses that sell liquor to obtain a license. Retailers must collect a 10 percent tribal tax on purchases.

Non-Indian retailers in the village of Pender claim the tribe lacks jurisdiction because the reservation has been diminished. The tribe's top judge, however, said the village remains within reservation boundaries.

The dispute now goes back to Judge Richard Kopf, who said he will give deference to the tribal court's ruling, according to a judge for the tribe. Briefs are due July 26 in anticipation of a final decision in the case.

Get the Story:
Tribe wins round in alcohol-tax fight (The Omaha World-Herald 2/20)
Omaha Tribe wins round in booze tax fight (AP 2/19)

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

Omaha Tribe heading back in court in alcohol taxation dispute (2/19)