95-15529. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Liquor Control Ordinance  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 122 (Monday, June 26, 1995)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 33068-33071]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-15529]
    
    
    
    
    [[Page 33067]]
    
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    Part III
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of the Interior
    
    
    
    
    
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    Bureau of Indian Affairs
    
    
    
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    The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Liquor Control Ordinance; 
    Notice
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 122 / Monday, June 26, 1995 / Notices 
     
    [[Page 33068]] 
    
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
    
    Bureau of Indian Affairs
    
    
    The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Liquor Control 
    Ordinance
    
    AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
    
    Action: Notice.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This notice is published in accordance with authority 
    delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Assistant Secretary--
    Indian Affairs by 209 DM8, and in accordance with the Act of August 15, 
    1953, 67 Stat 586, 18 U.S.C. 1161. I certify that the Twenty-Nine Palms 
    Band of Mission Indians Liquor Ordinance was duly adopted by the 
    Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians on October 6, 1994, and 
    amended twice, by resolution No. 950608 of June 8, 1995, and by 
    resolution No. 950615A of June 15, 1995. The Ordinance provides for the 
    regulation, distribution, possession, sale, and consumption of liquor 
    on lands held in trust belonging to the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of 
    Mission Indians.
    
    DATES: This ordinance is effective as of June 26, 1995.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief, Branch of Judicial Services, 
    Division of Tribal Government Services, 1849 C Street, NW., MS 2611-
    MIB, Washington, DC 20240-4001; telephone 202/208-4400.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission 
    Indians Liquor Control Ordinance is to read as follows:
    
    Liquor Ordinance of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
    
    Chapter I--Introduction
    
    101. Title. This ordinance shall be known as the ``Liquor ordinance of 
    the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.''
    102. Authority. This ordinance is enacted pursuant to the Act of August 
    15, 1953 (Pub. L. 83-277, 67 Stat. 588, 18 U.S.C. 1161) and Article 
    6A(5) of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Articles of 
    Association.
    103. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate and control 
    the possession and sale of liquor on the Twenty-Nine Palms Indian 
    Reservation. The enactment of a tribal ordinance governing liquor 
    possession and sale on the reservation will increase the ability of the 
    tribal government to control reservation liquor distribution and 
    possession, and at the same time will provide an important source of 
    revenue for the continued operation and strengthening of the tribal 
    government and the delivery of tribal government services.
    Chapter II--Definitions
    
    201. As used in this ordinance, the following words shall have the 
    following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
    202. ``Alcohol.'' Means that substance known as ethyl alcohol, hydrated 
    oxide of ethyl, or spirit of wine which is commonly produced by the 
    fermentation or distillation of grain, starch, molasses, or sugar, or 
    other substances including all dilutions of this substance.
    203. ``Alcoholic Beverage.'' Is synonymous with the term ``Liquor'' as 
    defined in Section 208 of this Chapter.
    204. ``Bar.'' Means any establishment with special space and 
    accommodations for sale by the glass and for consumption on the 
    premises of beer, as herein defined.
    205. ``Beer.'' Means any beverage obtained by the alcoholic 
    fermentation of an infusion or decoction of pure hops, or pure extract 
    of hops and pure barley malt or other wholesome grain of cereal in pure 
    water containing not more than four percent of alcohol by volume. For 
    the purposes of this title, any such beverage, including ale, stout, 
    and porter, containing more than four percent of alcohol by weight 
    shall be referred to as ``strong beer.''
    206. ``Committee.'' Means the Business Committee of the Twenty-nine 
    Palms Band of Mission Indians.
    207. ``General Council.'' Means the general council of the Twenty-nine 
    Palms Band of Mission Indians which is composed of the voting 
    membership of the Tribe as a whole.
    208. ``Liquor.'' Includes the four varieties of liquor herein defined 
    (alcohol, spirits, wine and beer), and all fermented spirituous, 
    vinous, or malt liquor or combination thereof, and mixed liquor, or 
    otherwise intoxicating; and every liquid or solid or semisolid or other 
    substance, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine or beer, 
    and all drinks or drinkable liquids and all preparations or mixtures 
    capable of human consumption and any liquid, semisolid, solid, or other 
    substances, which contain more than one percent of alcohol by weight 
    shall be conclusively deemed to be intoxicating.
    209. ``Liquor Store.'' Means any store at which liquor is sold and, for 
    the purposes of this ordinance, including stores only a portion of 
    which are devoted to sale of liquor or beer.
    210. ``Malt Liquor.'' Means beer, strong beer, ale stout, and porter.
    211. ``Package.'' Means any container or receptacle used for holding 
    liquor.
    212. ``Public Place.'' Includes state or county or tribal or federal 
    highways or roads; buildings and grounds used for school purposes; 
    public dance halls and grounds adjacent thereto; soft drink 
    establishment, public buildings, public meeting halls, lobbies, halls 
    and dining rooms of hotels, restaurants, theater, gaming facilities, 
    entertainment centers, store garages, and filling stations which are 
    open to and/or are generally used by the public and to which the public 
    is permitted to have unrestricted access; public conveyances of all 
    kinds of character; and all other places of like or similar nature to 
    which the general public has unrestricted right of access, and which 
    are generally used by the public. For the purposes of this ordinance, 
    ``Public Place'' shall also include any establishment other than a 
    single family home which is designed for or may be used by more than 
    just the owner of the establishment.
    213. ``Reservation.'' Means land held in trust by the United States 
    Government for the benefit of the Twenty-nine Palms Band of Mission 
    Indians (see also Tribal Land).
    214. ``Sale'' and ``Sell.'' Include exchange, barter, and traffic; and 
    also include the selling or supplying or distributing by any means 
    whatsoever, of liquor, or of any liquid known or described as beer or 
    by any name whatsoever commonly used to describe malt or brewed liquor 
    or wine by any person to any person.
    215. ``Spirits.'' Means any beverage, which contains alcohol obtained 
    by distillation, including wines exceeding seventeen percent of alcohol 
    by weight.
    216. ``Tribe.'' Means the Twenty-nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.
    217. ``Tribal Land.'' Means any land within the exterior boundaries of 
    the Reservation which is held in trust by the United States for the 
    Tribe as a whole, including and such land leased to other parties. 
    [[Page 33069]] 
    218. ``Wine.'' Means any alcoholic beverage obtained by fermentation of 
    fruits (grapes, berries, apples, etc.) or other agricultural product 
    containing sugar, to which any saccharine substances may have been 
    added before, during or after fermentation, and containing not more 
    than seventeen percent of alcohol by weight, including sweet wines 
    fortified with wine spirits such as port, sherry, muscatel, and 
    angelica, not exceeding seventeen percent of alcohol by weight.
    219. ``Trust Account.'' Means the account designated by the tribal 
    treasurer for deposit of proceeds from the tax from the sale of 
    alcoholic beverages.
    220. ``Trust Agent.'' Means the tribal Chairperson or a designee of the 
    Chairperson.
    
    Chapter III--Powers of Enforcement
    
    301. Powers. The Committee, in furtherance of this ordinance, shall 
    have the following powers and duties:
        a. To publish and enforce the rules and regulations governing the 
    sale, manufacture, and distribution of alcoholic beverages on the 
    Reservation;
        b. To employ managers, accountants, security personnel, inspectors, 
    and such other persons as shall be reasonably necessary to allow the 
    Committee to perform its functions. Such employees shall be tribal 
    employees;
        c. To issue licenses permitting the sale or manufacture or 
    distribution of liquor on the Reservation;
        d. To hold hearings on violations of this ordinance or for the 
    issuance or revocation of licenses hereunder;
        e. To bring suit in the appropriate court to enforce this ordinance 
    as necessary;
        f. To determine and seek damages for violation of this ordinance;
        g. To make such reports as may be required by the General Council;
        h. To collect taxes and fees levied or set by the Committee, and to 
    keep accurate records, books and accounts; and
        i. To exercise such other powers as are delegated by the General 
    Council.
    302. Limitation on Powers. In the exercise of its powers and duties 
    under this ordinance, the Committee and its individual members shall 
    not accept any gratuity, compensation or other thing of value from any 
    liquor wholesaler, retailer, or distributor or from any licensee.
    303. Inspection Rights. The premises on which liquor is sold or 
    distributed shall be open for inspection by the Committee at all 
    reasonable times for the purposes of ascertaining whether the rules and 
    regulations of this ordinance are being complied with.
    Chapter IV--Sales of Liquor
    
    401. Licenses Required. No sales of alcoholic beverages shall be made 
    within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation, except at a 
    tribally-licensed or tribally-owned business operated on tribal land 
    within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation.
    402. Sales Only on Tribal Land. All liquor sales within the exterior 
    boundaries of the Reservation shall be on Tribal Land, including leases 
    thereon.
    403. Sales for Cash. All liquor sales within the Reservation boundaries 
    shall be on a cash only basis and no credit shall be extended to any 
    person, organization, or entity, except that this provision does not 
    prevent the use of major credit cards such as Visa, American Express, 
    etc.
    404. Sale for Personal Consumption. All sales shall be for the personal 
    use and consumption of the purchaser. Resale of any alcoholic beverage 
    purchased within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation is 
    prohibited. Any person who is not licensed pursuant to this ordinance 
    who purchases an alcoholic beverage within the boundaries of the 
    Reservation and sells it, whether in the original container or not, 
    shall be guilty of a violation of this ordinance and shall be subjected 
    to paying damages to the Tribe as set forth herein.
    
    Chapter V--Licensing
    
    501. Applicable for Tribal Liquor License Requirements. No tribal 
    license shall issue under this ordinance except upon a sworn 
    application filed with the Committee containing a full and complete 
    showing of the following:
        a. Satisfactory proof that the applicant is or will be duly 
    licensed by the State of California.
        b. Satisfactory proof that the applicant is of good character and 
    reputation among the people of the Reservation and that the applicant 
    is financially responsible.
        c. The description of the premises in which the intoxicating 
    beverages are to be sold, proof that the applicant is the owner of such 
    premises, or lessee of such premises, for at least the term of the 
    license.
        d. Agreement by the applicant to accept and abide by all conditions 
    of the tribal license.
        e. Payment of $250.00 fee as prescribed by the Committee.
        f. Satisfactory proof that neither the applicant nor the 
    applicant's spouse has ever been convicted of a felony.
        g. Satisfactory proof that notice of the application has been 
    posted in a prominent, noticeable place on the premises where 
    intoxicating beverages are to be sold for at least 30 days prior to 
    consideration by the Committee and has been published at least twice in 
    such local newspaper serving the community that may be affected by the 
    license of the Tribal Chairman or Secretary may authorize. The notice 
    shall state the date, time, and place when the application shall be 
    considered by the Committee pursuant to section 502 of this ordinance.
    502. Hearing on Application for Tribal Liquor License. All applications 
    for a tribal liquor license shall be considered by the Committee in 
    open session at which the applicant, his attorney, and any person 
    protesting the application shall have the right to be present, and to 
    offer sworn oral or documentary evidence relevant to the application. 
    After the hearing, the Committee, by secret ballot, shall determine 
    whether to grant or deny the application based on:
        (1) Whether the requirements of section 501 have been met; and
        (2) Whether the Committee, in its discretion, determines that 
    granting the license is in the best interests of the Tribe.
    
    In the event that the applicant is a member of the General Council, or 
    a member of the immediate family of a General Council member, such 
    member shall not vote on the application or participate in the hearings 
    as a Committee member.
    503. Temporary Permits. The Committee or their designee may grant a 
    temporary permit for the sale of intoxicating beverages for a period 
    not to exceed three (3) days to any person applying for the same in 
    connection with a tribal or community activity, provided that the 
    conditions prescribed in Section 504 of this ordinance shall be 
    observed by the permittee. Each permit issued shall specify the types 
    of intoxicating beverages to be [[Page 33070]] sold. Further, a fee of 
    $25.00 will be assessed on temporary permits.
    504. Conditions of the Tribal License. Any tribal license issued under 
    this title shall be subject to such reasonable conditions as the 
    Committee shall fix, including, but not limited to the following:
        a. The license shall be for a term not to exceed 1 year.
        b. The license shall at all times maintain an orderly, clean, and 
    neat establishment, both inside and outside the licensed premises.
        c. The State of California shall have jurisdiction over offenses 
    and civil causes of action committed on the licensed premises to the 
    same extent that it has jurisdiction over offenses civil causes of 
    action committed elsewhere within California, and the California 
    criminal laws, and civil laws of general applicability to private 
    persons or private property, shall have the same force and effect on 
    the licensed premises as they have elsewhere in California.
        d. The licensed premises shall be subject to patrol by the tribal 
    police department, and such other law enforcement officials as may be 
    authorized under federal, California, or tribal law.
        e. The licensed premises shall be open to inspection by duly 
    authorized tribal officials at all times during the regular business 
    hours.
        f. Subject to the provisions of subsection ``g'' of this section, 
    no intoxicating beverages shall be sold, served, disposed of, 
    delivered, or given to any person, or consumed on the licensed premises 
    except in conformity with the hours and days prescribed by the laws of 
    the State of California, and in accordance with the hours fixed by the 
    Committee, provided that the licensed premises shall not operate or 
    open earlier or operate or close later than is permitted by the laws of 
    the State of California.
        g. No liquor shall be sold within 200 feet of a polling place on 
    tribal election days, or when a referendum is held of the people of the 
    Tribe, and including special days of observation as designated by the 
    Committee.
        h. All acts and transactions under authority of the tribal liquor 
    license shall be in conformity with the laws of the State of 
    California, and shall be in accordance with this ordinance and any 
    tribal license issued pursuant to this ordinance.
        i. No person under the age permitted under the laws of the State of 
    California shall be sold, served, delivered, given, or allowed to 
    consume alcoholic beverages in the licensed establishment and/or area.
        j. There shall be no discrimination in the operations under the 
    tribal license by reason of race, color, or creed.
    505. License Not a Property Right. Notwithstanding any other provision 
    of this ordinance, a tribal liquor license is a mere permit for a fixed 
    duration of time. A tribal liquor license shall not be deemed a 
    property right or vested right of any kind, nor shall the granting of a 
    tribal liquor license give rise to a presumption of legal entitlement 
    to the granting of such license for a subsequent time period.
    506. Assignment or Transfer. No tribal license issued under this 
    ordinance shall be assigned or transferred without the written approval 
    of the Committee expressed by formal resolution.
    
    Chapter VI--Rules, Regulations, and Enforcement
    
    601. Sales or Possession With Intent to Sell Without a Permit. Any 
    person who shall sell or offer for sale or distribute or transport in 
    any manner, any liquor in violation of this ordinance, or who shall 
    operate or shall have liquor in his possession with intent to sell or 
    distribute without a permit, shall be guilty of a violation of this 
    ordinance.
    602. Purchases From Other Than Licensed Facilities. Any person within 
    the boundaries of the Reservation who buys liquor from any person other 
    than at a properly licensed facility shall be guilty of a violation of 
    this ordinance.
    603. Sales to Persons Under the Influence of Liquor. Any person who 
    sells liquor to a person apparently under the influence of liquor shall 
    be guilty of a violation of this ordinance.
    604. Consuming Liquor in Public Conveyance. Any person engaged wholly 
    or in part in the business of carrying passengers for hire, and every 
    agent, servant or employee or such person who shall knowingly permit 
    any person to drink any liquor in any public conveyance shall be guilty 
    of an offense. Any person who shall drink any liquor in a public 
    conveyance shall be guilty of a violation of this ordinance.
    605. Consumption or Possession of Liquor by Persons Under 21 Years of 
    Age. No person under the age of 21 years shall consume, acquire or have 
    in his possession any alcoholic beverage. No person shall permit any 
    other person under the age of 21 to consume liquor on his premises or 
    any premises under his control except in those situations set out in 
    this section. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a 
    separate violation of this ordinance for each and every drink so 
    consumed.
    606. Sales of Liquor to Persons Under 21 Years of Age. Any person who 
    shall sell or provide liquor to any person under the age of 21 years 
    shall be guilty of a violation of this ordinance for each sale or drink 
    provided.
    607. Transfer of Identification to Minor. Any person who transfers in 
    any manner an identification of age to a minor for the purpose of 
    permitting such minor to obtain liquor shall be guilty of an offense; 
    provided, that corroborative testimony of a witness other than the 
    minor shall be a requirement of finding a violation of this ordinance.
    608. Use of False or Altered Identification. Any person who attempts to 
    purchase an alcoholic beverage through the use of false or altered 
    identification which falsely purports to show the individual to be over 
    the age of 21 years shall be guilty of violating this ordinance.
    609. Violations of This Ordinance. Any person guilty of a violation of 
    this ordinance shall be liable to pay the Tribe a penalty not to exceed 
    $500 per violation as civil damages to defray the Tribe's cost of 
    enforcement of this ordinance. In addition to any penalties so imposed, 
    any license issued hereunder may be suspended or cancelled by the 
    Committee for the violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance, 
    or of the tribal license, upon hearing before the Committee after 10 
    days notice to the licensee. The decision of the Committee shall be 
    final.
    610. Acceptable Identification. Where there may be a question of a 
    person's right to purchase liquor by reason of his age, such person 
    shall be required to present any one of the following issued cards of 
    identification which shows his correct age and bears his signature and 
    photograph:
        1. Driver's license of any state or identification card issued by 
    any State Department of Motor Vehicles;
        2. United States Active Duty Military;
        3. Passport [[Page 33071]] 
    611. Possession of Liquor Contrary to This Ordinance. Alcoholic 
    beverages which are possessed contrary to the terms of this ordinance 
    are declared to be contraband. Any tribal agent, employee, or officer 
    who is authorized by the Committee to enforce this section shall have 
    the authority to, and shall seize, all contraband.
    612. Disposition of Seized Contraband. Any officer seizing contraband 
    shall preserve the contraband in accordance with the appropriate 
    California law code. Upon being found in violation of the ordinance by 
    the Committee, the party shall forfeit all right, title and interest in 
    the items seized which shall become the property of the Tribe.
    
    Chapter VII--Taxes
    
    701. Sales Tax. There is hereby levied and shall be collected a tax on 
    each sale of alcoholic beverages on the Reservation in the amount of 
    one percent (1%) of the amount actually collected, including payments 
    by major credit cards. The tax imposed by this section shall apply to 
    all retail sales of liquor on the Reservation and shall preempt any tax 
    imposed on such liquor sales by the State of California.
    702. Payment of Taxes to Tribe. All taxes from the sale of alcoholic 
    beverages on the Reservation shall be paid over to the trust agent of 
    the Tribe.
    703. Taxes Due. All taxes for the sale of alcoholic beverages on the 
    Reservation are due within thirty (30) days of the end of the calendar 
    quarter for which the taxes are due.
    704. Reports. Along with payment of the taxes imposed herein, the 
    taxpayer shall submit an accounting for the quarter of all income from 
    the sale or distribution of said beverages as well as for the taxes 
    collected.
    705. Audit. As a condition of obtaining a license, the licensee must 
    agree to the review or audit of its books and records relating to the 
    sale of alcoholic beverages on the Reservation. Said review or audit 
    may be done annually by the Tribe through its agents or employees 
    whenever, in the opinion of the Committee, such a review or audit is 
    necessary to verify the accuracy of reports.
    
    Chapter VIII--Profits
    
    801. Disposition of Proceeds. The gross proceeds collected by the 
    Committee from all licensing provided from the taxation of the sales of 
    alcoholic beverages on the Reservation shall be distributed as follows:
        a. For the payment of all necessary personnel, administrative 
    costs, and legal fees for the operation and its activities.
        b. The remainder shall be turned over to the Trust Account of the 
    Tribe.
    
    Chapter IX--Severability and Miscellaneous
    
    901. Severability. If any provision or application of this ordinance is 
    determined by review to be invalid, such adjudication shall not be held 
    to render ineffectual the remaining portions of this title or to render 
    such provisions inapplicable to other persons or circumstances.
    902. Prior Enactments. And all prior enactments of the Committee which 
    are inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby 
    rescinded.
    903. Conformance with California Laws. All acts and transactions under 
    this ordinance shall be in conformity with the laws of the State of 
    California as that term is used in 18 U.S.C. 1161.
    904. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective on June 26, 
    1995, such date as the Secretary of the Interior certifies this 
    ordinance and publishes the same in the Federal Register.
    
    Chapter X--Amendment
    
    1001. This ordinance may only be amended by a majority vote of the 
    General Council.
    
    Chapter XI--Sovereign Immunity
    
    1101. Nothing contained in this ordinance is intended to, nor does in 
    any way limit, alter, restrict, or waive the Tribe's sovereign immunity 
    from unconsented suit or action.
    
        Dated: June 16, 1995.
    Ada E. Deer,
    Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
    [FR Doc. 95-15529 Filed 6-23-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4310-02-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/26/1995
Published:
06/26/1995
Department:
Indian Affairs Bureau
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice.
Document Number:
95-15529
Dates:
This ordinance is effective as of June 26, 1995.
Pages:
33068-33071 (4 pages)
PDF File:
95-15529.pdf