A provision in the Wisconsin budget that was signed into law ensures the Oneida Nation will receive a state liquor license for its golf course.

The tribe already received a license for the Thornberry Creek Country Club. But the negotiations with the village of Hobart took longer than expected and required the tribe to assume debts that weren't its own.

"You need some certainty," spokesperson Bobbi Webster told The Appleton Post-Crescent of the need for the budget provision. "You need to be able to operate a business long term, not day-to-day."

The existing license expires in May 2010 so the tribe will be able to win a new one under the budget. Webster said the tribe will hopes to continue working with the village, whose officials say they were never made aware of the provision.

The provision allows the state to issue a license to any tribe with a reservation "encompassing not less than 60,000 acres, nor more than 70,000 acres."

Get the Story:
Liquor license decision serves up hard feelings between Hobart, Oneida Tribe of Indians (The Appleton Post-Crescent 7/15)

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