Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

About 50 businesses in Toppenish, Wash., expect to be affected by a new alcohol tax imposed by the Yakama Nation to curb alcohol problems among tribal members, the Associated Press reported January 7, 2000.

The wholesale tax went into effect in November, despite legal concerns about the authority of tribes to tax non-Indians. The measure imposes a new tax on businesses selling alcohol on private land within the Yakama Nation reservation. The tax also includes a $5,000 license fee for liquor distributors.

Since the measure went into effect, two major liquor distributors have refused to deliver to the central Washington reservation. The tax raises the price of a six-pack of beer by about $2.40.

"We're stocked for a little bit, maybe a month or so. After that I don't know," said Nena Garcia, a bartender at Tiny's Tavern. "I'm afraid I might lose my job."

Although Gov. Gary Locke opposes the Yakama tax, he plans to close two privately operated state liquor store franchises in Wapato and Toppenish "out of respect for the Yakama Nation's desire to reduce consumption of alcohol on the reservation."

Some business owners plan to move a few miles north off the reservation. Other taverns and restaurants are circulating petitions to fight the tax.

"I believe it's too radical, and that Toppenish residents will end up going out of town to buy their alcohol, thus causing major problems with drinking and driving," said David Meyers, owner of The 88-Cent Store.