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…"
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