Law

Judge refuses to close Frank's Landing smoke shop

A federal judge on Thursday refused to order the Frank's Landing Indian Community of Washington to stop selling tobacco at its smoke shop.

The Nisqually Tribe sought a preliminary injunction to shut down the smoke shop. The tribe says Frank's Landing can't sell cigarettes because it's not a federally recognized tribe.

Judge Ronald B. Leighton, however, said there was no law that bars the smoke shop, which is being operated through an agreement with the Squaxin Island Tribe. Congress has recognized Frank's Landing as an independent Indian community.

The Nisqually Tribe claims it has jurisdiction over the 19-acre community. Leighton said the tribe could amend its lawsuit.

Get the Story:
Judge won't dismiss lawsuit over tribal cigarette sales (AP 5/8)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Incursion on Nisqually Tribe's sovereignty (4/29)
Nisqually Tribe seeks control of Frank's Landing (4/28)