[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 136 (Monday, July 17, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36568-36574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-17427]




[[Page 36567]]

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Part V





Department of the Interior





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Bureau of Indian Affairs



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Narragansett Indian Tribe Liquor Ordinance; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 136 / Monday, July 17, 1995 / 
Notices  

[[Page 36568]]


DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs


Narragansett Indian Tribe Liquor Ordinance

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

Action: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This Notice is published in accordance with authority 
delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Assistant Secretary--
Indian Affairs by 209 DM 8, and in accordance with the Act of August 
15, 1953, 67 Stat. 586, 18 U.S.C. 1161. I certify that Resolution No. 
TC-95-0228.1, the Narragansett Indian Tribe Liquor Ordinance was duly 
adopted by the Narragansett Indian Tribal Council on February 28, 1995. 
The Ordinance provides for the regulation of the activities of the 
regulation, manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, and 
consumption of liquor on the Narragansett Indian Reservation under the 
jurisdiction of the Narragansett Indian Tribe.

DATES: This Ordinance is effective as of July 17, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief, Branch of Judicial Services, 
Division of Tribal Government Services, 1849 C Street, NW., MS 2611-
MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240-4001; telephone (202) 208-4400.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Narragansett Indian Tribe Liquor 
Ordinance is to read as follows:

Liquor Ordinance of the Narragansett Indian Tribe

Chapter 1  Declaration of Authority and Purpose

    1.1. Title. This ordinance shall be known as the ``Narragansett 
Liquor Ordinance''.
    1.2. 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 by 
the authority of the Narragansett Tribal Council.
    1.3. Purpose. (a) The purpose of this Ordinance is to regulate and 
control the possession, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages 
on the tribal lands of the Narragansett Indian Tribe. The introduction, 
possession, sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages on lands of 
the Narragansett Tribe is a matter of special concern to the Tribe. The 
enactment of a tribal ordinance governing the trafficking of alcoholic 
beverages will increase the ability of the tribal government to 
reasonably control the distribution and possession of alcoholic 
beverages, promote temperance, and at the same time provide an 
important source of revenue for the continued operation and 
strengthening of the tribal government and the delivery of tribal 
services.
    (b) Federal law currently prohibits the introduction of liquor into 
Indian country, 18 U.S.C. 1154, unless the tribe having jurisdiction 
over that Indian country enacts an ordinance authorizing such 
introduction in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1161. Because of the many 
potential problems associated with the unregulated or inadequately 
regulated sale, possession, distribution or consumption of liquor 
within Indian country, the Tribal Council recognizes the need for 
strict regulation and control over liquor transactions within the 
Tribe's lands. The Tribal Council finds that exclusive tribal control 
and regulation of liquor is necessary to achieve maximum economic 
benefit to the Tribe, to protect the health and welfare of our Tribal 
members, and to address specific tribal concerns relating to alcohol 
use on the Tribe's lands. All of the provisions of this Ordinance shall 
be liberally construed for the accomplishment of that purpose.
    (c) The Tribal Council therefore finds that it is in the best 
interests of the Tribe to enact this Ordinance. The purchase, 
distribution, sale and consumption of alcohol shall take place only at 
tribally-owned enterprises and/or tribally licensed establishments 
operating within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation.
    1.4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective on 
certification by the Secretary of the Interior and its publication in 
the Federal Register in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1161.
Chapter 2  Definitions

    2.1. Definitions. [3-1-1] Unless the context otherwise requires, 
the words and phrases herein defined are used in this ordinance in the 
sense given them in the following definitions:
    (a) ``Alcoholic beverage'' or ``beverage''--Any liquid which either 
by itself or by mixture with any other liquid or liquids is or may 
become fit for human consumption as a drink and which contains five-
tenths of one percent (.5%) or more of alcohol by weight. Alcoholic 
beverage is synonymous with the term ``liquor'' as defined herein.
    (b) ``Commission''--The Narragansett Tribal Gaming Commission.
    (c) ``Convention''--To include conventions, banquets, political 
rallies, trade shows, exhibitions, charity balls and other similar 
gatherings in conformity with ordinances of the Tribe which are held 
primarily for persons over eighteen (18) years of age.
    (d) ``His, him, he'' or other masculine gender pronoun shall apply 
to the female as well as the male gender without distinction.
    (e) ``Intoxicating beverage''--A beverage which contains more than 
three and two-tenths percent (3.2%) of alcohol by weight.
    (f) ``Malt beverage''--Any beverage which is usually produced at 
breweries, as distinguished from distilleries.
    (g) ``Nonintoxicating beverage''--A beverage which contains not 
more than three and two-tenths percent (3.2%) of alcohol by weight.
    (h) ``Reservation''--All lands of the Narragansett Tribe, title to 
which is held in trust by the United States.
    (i) ``State''--The State of Rhode Island and any state or local 
entity granted any licensing or regulatory authority pursuant to the 
Alcoholic Beverage Laws of Rhode Island.
    (j) ``Tavern''--Any house where the principal business is the 
furnishing of food and sleeping accommodations.
    (k) ``Tribal lands''--All lands of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, 
whether title thereto is held in trust by the United States or in fee 
subject to restriction against alienation imposed by the United States.
    (l) ``Victualing house''--Any shop or place where a substantial 
part of the business is the furnishing of food for consumption at the 
place where it is furnished.
    (m) ``Wholesale quantities''--Malt beverages in excess of eight (8) 
gallons, or in excess of three (3) gallons as to any wine or any non-
malt beverage consisting in whole or in part of alcohol produced by 
distillation.
    (n) ``Wines''--All fermented alcoholic beverages made from fruits, 
flowers, herbs, or vegetables and containing not more than twenty-four 
percent (24%) of alcohol by volume at sixty degrees Fahrenheit 
(60 deg.F), except cider containing not more than three percent (3%) or 
containing more than six percent (6%), of alcohol by weight at sixty 
degrees Fahrenheit (60 deg.F).

Chapter 3  Powers of Enforcement

    3.1. Powers of Enforcement. [3-2-2] There is hereby established a 
branch of the Tribal Gaming Commission known as the Liquor Division. 
This branch shall be constituted as an agency and department of the 
Tribal Gaming Commission. The Tribal Council, in furtherance of this 
ordinance, delegates the following powers and duties to the 
Narragansett Gaming Commission:
    (a) To publish and enforce rules and regulations which shall be 
adopted by 

[[Page 36569]]
the Tribal Council governing the sale, manufacture, distribution and 
possession of alcoholic beverages on tribal lands;
    (b) To employ personnel as shall be reasonably necessary to allow 
the Commission to perform its functions. Such employees shall be tribal 
employees;
    (c) To issue licenses permitting the sale, manufacture, 
distribution and transportation of liquor on tribal lands;
    (d) To hold hearings on violations of this ordinance or for the 
issuance or revocation of licenses hereunder;
    (e) To bring suit in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce 
this ordinance as necessary;
    (f) To determine and seek damages for violations of this ordinance;
    (g) To make such reports as may be required by the Tribal Council;
    (h) To collect taxes and fees levied or set by the Tribal Council 
and to keep accurate records, books and accounts; and
    (i) To exercise such other powers as may be delegated by the Tribal 
Council.
    3.2. Limitation on Powers. In the exercise of its powers and duties 
under this Ordinance, the Tribal Gaming Commission and its individual 
members shall not:
    (a) Accept any gratuity, compensation or other thing of value from 
any liquor wholesaler, retailer, or distributor or from any licensee;
    (b) Waive the immunity of the Narragansett Tribe from suit without 
the express written consent of the Tribal Council.
    3.3. Inspection Rights. [3-12-3] The premises on which liquor is 
sold or distributed shall be open for inspection by the Tribal Gaming 
Commission at all reasonable times for the purposes of ascertaining 
whether the rules and regulations of the Tribal Council and the liquor 
laws of the Tribe are being complied with.

Chapter 4  Sales of Alcoholic Beverages

    4.1. License Required. [3-5-1] No sales or distribution of 
alcoholic beverages shall be made within the Reservation, except at a 
tribally-licensed or tribally-owned business operated within the 
Reservation.
    4.2. Sales Only on Reservation. All alcoholic beverage sales shall 
be on the Reservation. No alcoholic beverage sales shall be allowed 
within the exterior boundaries of tribal lands which are not held in 
trust.
    4.3. Sales for Cash. All alcoholic beverage sales authorized herein 
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 payment for purchases with the use of credit cards such as 
Visa, Master Card, American Express, etc., with the exception of such 
other credit arrangements as set forth in the Tribe-State compact.
    4.4. Sale for Personal Consumption. All sales and distribution of 
alcoholic beverages shall be for the personal use and consumption of 
the purchaser. Resale of any alcoholic beverage purchased within the 
exterior boundaries of the Tribe's trust lands is prohibited. Any 
person who is not licensed pursuant to this Ordinance who purchases an 
alcoholic beverage within the boundaries of the Tribe's trust lands 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.
    4.5. Solicitation and Sales. No person shall act as a solicitor or 
salesman for a manufacturer or wholesaler of alcoholic beverages on the 
licensed premises without having obtained a proper permit from the 
State and the Commission. Any applicant for a tribal permit under this 
section shall file with the Commission, a true and correct copy of his/
her current state permit which shall entitle that person to solicit and 
sell on any tribally licensed premises, provided he complies with the 
terms and conditions of the tribal permit as set by the Commission. Any 
revocation or termination of the State permit shall constitute a 
simultaneous revocation or termination of the tribal permit.

Chapter 5  Licensing

    5.1. License Required for Sale, Distribution or Importation of 
Beverages. [3-5-1] In order to control the proliferation of 
establishments on the Tribe's trust lands which sell or provide 
alcoholic beverages by the bottle or by the drink, no person shall at 
any time sell or suffer to be sold or distributed or keep or suffer to 
be kept on his premises or possession or under his charge for the 
purpose of sale or distribution within the Tribe's trust lands any 
beverage unless licensed thereto by the Commission as hereinafter 
provided.
    5.2. State licensing. No person shall be allowed or permitted to 
sell or distribute alcoholic beverages on the Reservation if he does 
not also have a license from the State of Rhode Island. If such license 
from the State shall be revoked or suspended, the tribal license shall 
automatically be revoked or suspended as well.
    5.3. Application. Any person applying for license to sell or 
distribute alcoholic beverages on the Reservation must fill in the 
application provided for this purpose by the Commission and pay such 
application fees as determined herein from time to time by the 
Commission. Said application must be filled out completely in order to 
be considered.
    5.4. Issuance of License. The Tribal Gaming Commission may issue a 
license if it believes that such issuance is in the best interests of 
the Tribe and its members. All licenses to be issued hereunder shall be 
in such form as shall be prescribed by the Commission; and the license 
shall be held under such rules and regulations as the Commission shall 
impose, establish and authorize; and the Commission is hereby 
authorized to establish such rules and regulations as in their 
discretion in the public interest shall seem proper to be made. 
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this section, the 
adoption or authorization of rules and regulations by the Commission, 
and the modification or repeal of any rules and regulations previously 
adopted, shall be by written order of the Commission and adopted in 
accordance with the then current procedures or by-laws for conducting 
official functions of the Commission.
    5.5. Signature on Licenses-Posting and Exhibition. [3-5-18] 
Licenses issued hereunder shall bear the signature written by hand of 
the Chairman of the Narragansett Tribal Gaming Commission, or other 
such Tribal Gaming Commissioner as designated and delegated by the 
Chairman, and shall not be printed, stamped, typewritten, engraved, 
photographed or cut from one instrument and attached to another; and 
shall be kept posted in plain view by the licensee in a conspicuous 
position in the room or place licensed, and shall be exhibited on 
demand to any Gaming Commissioner, Tribal Law Enforcement Officer, or 
authorized federal or state official.
    5.6. Contents of Licenses. Any beverage license issued by the 
Commission shall state with specificity the following:
    (a) Name and address of the licensed person or entity;
    (b) Name and address of licensed premises;
    (c) An exact description/location of the licensed premises;
    (d) The days and hours when beverages may be sold or distributed;
    (e) The expiration date of the license;
    (f) The types of beverages authorized under the license or permit;
    (g) The class of licenses or permits issued by the Tribe and State. 


[[Page 36570]]

    5.7. Non-Transferability of Licenses. [3-5-19] All licenses issued 
by the Commission under this ordinance shall be deemed non-transferable 
without prior written authority of the Commission.
    5.8. Premises Covered. [3-5-9] Not more than one (1) retail license 
shall be issued for the same premises. Every license shall particularly 
describe the place where the rights thereunder are to be exercised and 
beverages shall not be kept for sale or sold by any licensee except at 
the place so described in his license.
    5.9. Licenses to Keep or Sell Legal Beverages Only-Minimum Size of 
Containers. [3-5-12] Only beverages which have been legally 
manufactured and on which all taxes and charges--tribal, federal and 
state (if applicable)--have been paid, shall be kept for sale or sold 
by a licensee. Holders of Class B and J retailer's licenses shall not 
have on the licensed premises distilled or wine beverages in the 
containers, nor bottles, flasks or containers of less capacity than 
twenty-three ounces (23 oz.). Holders of Class B-H retailer's licenses 
are authorized to keep for sale and to sell distilled beverages in 
containers of a minimum capacity of fifty milliliters (50 mls.) or one 
and seven-tenths ounces (1.7 oz.).
    5.10. Revocation or Suspension of Licenses; Fines for Violating 
Conditions of License. [3-5-21]
    (a) Every license shall be subject to revocation or suspension, and 
the licensee shall be subject to civil fine by the Commission for 
breach by the holder thereof of the conditions on which it was issued, 
or for violation by the holder thereof of any rule or regulation 
applicable thereto, or for breach of any provisions of this section. 
Any revocation or suspension of a license or permit by the State shall 
constitute a simultaneous revocation or suspension by the Commission 
and no person or entity holding a license issued under this Ordinance 
shall be deemed to have acquired any vested interest therein. Any 
reinstatement of a license or permit by the State shall not constitute 
a reinstatement of the corresponding tribal license; the licensee must 
seek separate reinstatement of the tribal license from the Commission.
    (b) Any fine imposed pursuant to this section shall not exceed Five 
Hundred Dollars ($500) for the first violation and shall not exceed One 
Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for each subsequent violation. For the 
purposes of this section, any violation committed by a licensee more 
than three (3) years after a previous violation shall be considered a 
first violation.
    5.11. Revocation and Suspension of Tribal License or Permit. Unless 
otherwise stated in the notice of suspension or revocation, the 
licensee shall cease any business conducted by authority of the license 
within 24 hours. Notice may be served by United States mail, or by 
personal delivery to the licensee, or by delivery to the licensed 
premises.
    5.12. Period of License. Each license may be issued for a period 
not to exceed two (2) years from the date of the issuance.
    5.13. Renewal of License. A licensee may renew its license if it 
has complied in full with this Ordinance and has maintained its 
licensure with the State of Rhode Island; provided, however, that the 
Tribal Gaming Commission may refuse to renew a license if it finds that 
doing so would not be in the best interests of the health and safety of 
the Narragansett Tribe.

Chapter 6  Classes of Licenses

    6.1. Classes of Licenses. There shall be several classes of tribal 
beverage licenses.
    6.2.  Class B License. [3-7-7]
    (a) A retailer's license, Class B, shall be issued only to a duly 
licensed bona fide tavern keeper or victualer whose tavern or 
victualing house may be open for business and regularly patronized at 
least from nine o'clock (9:00) a.m. to seven o'clock (7:00) p.m. and 
beverages may be sold or served to the maximum extent permitted by the 
laws of the State, except as otherwise limited by the Commission or 
other applicable law. It shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for 
sale and sell beverages including beer in cans, at retail at the place 
therein described and to deliver the same for consumption on the 
premises or place where sold, but only at tables or lunch bars where 
food is served; and it shall also authorize the charging of a cover, 
minimum or door charge; provided, however, that the amount of the 
cover, minimum or door charge shall be posted at the entrance of the 
establishments in a prominent place; provided, however, that holders of 
licenses shall not be permitted to hold dances within the licensed 
premises, unless proper permits have been obtained from the applicable 
licensing authorities; provided further, however, that any holder of a 
Class B license may upon the approval of the Tribe and State licensing 
authority, and for additional payment to the Commission of Five Hundred 
Dollars ($500) open for business at twelve o'clock (12:00) p.m.
    (b) A holder of a retailer's license, Class B, shall be allowed to 
erect signs advertising his business and products sold on the premises, 
including neon signs, and shall be allowed to light those signs during 
all lawful business hours, including Sundays and holidays.
    (c) The annual fee for the license shall be, for a tavern keeper 
$400-$1,500 and for a victualer $400-$1,000; provided, however, that in 
reservations with a population of less than 2,500 inhabitants as 
determined by the last census taken under authority of the United 
States or the State, the fee for each retailer's Class B license shall 
be determined by the Tribal Council, but shall in no case be less than 
$300; provided that if the applicant so requests in his application, 
any retailer's Class B license may be issued limiting the sale or 
distribution of beverages on the licensed premises to malt and wine 
beverages containing not more than twenty percent (20%) alcohol by 
volume, and the fee for that limited Class B license shall be $200 
annually. The fee for any Class B license shall in each case be pro-
rated to the year ending December 31, in every calendar year.
    6.3. Class B-H License. [3-7-7.1]
    (a) A retailer's license, Class B-H, shall be issued only to a duly 
licensed hotel. It shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale 
and sell or distribute as provided herein distilled beverages in 
containers of a minimum capacity of fifty milliliters (50 ml.) or one 
and seven tenths ounces (1.7 oz.). The foregoing beverages shall be 
sold and served only in the room of the registered hotel guest. The 
foregoing beverages may be served in said hotel room at least from nine 
o'clock (9:00) a.m. to seven o'clock (7:00) p.m., and may be served in 
said room on a continuous basis, except as otherwise limited by the 
Commission, or applicable law.
    (b) A Class B and B-H liquor license may be issued for the same 
duly licensed hotel, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein.
    (c) The annual fee for such license shall be $100.
    6.4. Class J Convention Hall License. [3-7-16] A retailer's 
license, Class J, shall authorize the holder thereof to keep for sale 
and to sell beverages at retail in the place therein described and to 
deliver the same for consumption on the premises where sold at the 
times when conventions may be held on those premises. The licensed 
premises may contain a bar. No Class J license shall be issued or held 
unless the licensee has adequate facilities to accommodate at tables 
five hundred (500) or more 

[[Page 36571]]
persons at one time. Part of the licensed premises may be set apart as 
a kitchen and food may be served if the licensee is the holder of a 
victualing license. The Class J license shall authorize entertainment 
only in conformity with tribal and otherwise applicable ordinances, 
regulations, and laws. The annual fee for a Class J license shall be 
the same as for a Class B license.
    6.5. Objection by Adjoining Property Owners-Proximity to Schools 
and Churches. Retailer's Class B license under this Ordinance shall not 
be issued to authorize the sale of beverages in any building where the 
owner of the greater part of the land within two hundred feet (200') of 
any point of such building shall file with the Commission his objection 
to the granting of such license; nor, in any building within two 
hundred feet (200') of the premises of any public, private, or 
parochial school or a place of public worship.

Chapter 7  Illegal Activities

    7.1. Compliance with Applicable Laws. Any person or entity holding 
a license issued under this Ordinance shall comply with all statutes of 
the United States of America and the laws of the State of Rhode Island 
applicable to such licensee pursuant to said license, and the 
ordinances, resolutions, regulations and laws of the Tribe and 
Commission.
    7.2. Illegal Sales of Liquor by Drink or Bottle. It shall be a 
violation of this Ordinance for any person to sell, by the drink or by 
the bottle, any liquor except as otherwise provided for in this 
Ordinance.
    7.3. Illegal Transportation. It shall be a violation of this 
Ordinance for any person to sell or offer for sale or transport in any 
manner any liquor in violation of this Ordinance.
    7.4. Illegal Purchase of Liquor. It shall be a violation of this 
Ordinance for any person within the exterior boundaries of the 
Reservation to buy liquor from any person other than at the properly 
authorized tribal retail outlet(s) or properly licensed enterprise 
operating on the Reservation.
    7.5. Illegal Possession of Liquor; Intent to Sell. [3-5-1] It shall 
be a violation of this Ordinance for any person to keep or possess 
liquor upon his person or in any place or premises conducted or 
maintained by him as a principal or agent with the intent to sell it; 
unless such sale is otherwise authorized by this Ordinance.
    7.6. Sales to Persons Visibly Intoxicated, Insane, Mentally 
Defective, Habitual User of Narcotics. [3-8-1] It shall be a violation 
of this Ordinance for any person to sell, furnish, give away, barter, 
exchange or dispose of in any manner or cause to be tendered any 
alcoholic beverage on or within the tribal lands to any person who is 
known to be insane or mentally defective; or to any person who is 
visibly intoxicated; or to any person who is known to drink alcoholic 
beverages to excess; or to any person who is known to be an habitual 
user of narcotics or other habit forming drugs.
    7.7. Possession or Use of Alcoholic Beverages by Underage Persons. 
[3-8-10] It shall be a violation of this Ordinance for any person to 
sell, furnish, give away, barter, exchange or dispose of in any manner 
or cause to be tendered any alcoholic beverage on or within the tribal 
lands to any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years either for 
his own use, the use of his parents, or the use of any other person.
    7.8. Furnishing Alcoholic Beverages to Underaged Persons. [3-8-
11.1] It shall be a violation of this Ordinance for any person to 
permit any other person under the age of twenty-one (21) years to 
consume alcoholic beverages purchased on premises under his control or 
ownership.
    7.9. Sale of Alcoholic Beverages to Underage Persons. [3-8-1] It 
shall be a violation of this Ordinance for any person to sell alcoholic 
beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years.
    7.10. Unlawful Transfer of Identification. [3-8-6] It shall be a 
violation of this Ordinance for any person to attempt to purchase an 
alcoholic beverage through the use of a false or altered identification 
which falsely purports to show the individual to be over the age of 
twenty-one (21) years.
    7.11. Unlawful Drinking and Misrepresentation by Underage Persons. 
[3-8-6] (a) It shall be deemed a violation of this Ordinance for:
    (1) Any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) 
birthday to enter any premises licensed for the retail sale of 
alcoholic beverages for the purpose of purchasing or having served or 
delivered to him or her alcoholic beverages; or
    (2) Any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) 
birthday to consume any alcoholic beverage on premises licensed for the 
retail sale of alcoholic beverages or to purchase, attempt to purchase, 
or have another purchase for him or her any alcoholic beverage; or
    (3) Any person to misrepresent or misstate his or her age, or the 
age of any other persons, or to misrepresent his or her age through the 
presentation of any of the following documents:
    (aa) An armed service identification card, the identification card 
license, or any other documentation used for identification purposes 
that may belong to any other person who is of the age of twenty-one 
(21) years or older;
    (bb) A motor vehicle operator's license which bears the date of 
birth of the licensee, and which is issued by the state of Rhode Island 
or any other state.
    (cc) Any document presented for identification and known to such 
person to falsely represent the person's date of birth.
    (b) Every licensee shall cause to be kept a book, or photographic 
reproduction equipment which shall provide the same information as 
required by the book, and such licensee and/or the licensee's employee 
shall require any person who has shown a document as set forth in this 
section substantiating his or her age, to sign that book or to permit 
the taking of his or her photograph and indicate what document was 
presented. Use of said photographic reproduction equipment shall be 
voluntary for every licensee.
    (c) The ``sign-in as minor'' book and photographic reproduction 
equipment shall be the same as prescribed, published and approved at 
the direction and control of the state liquor control administrator.
    (d) If a person whose age is in question shall sign the ``sign-in 
as minor'' book or have such photograph taken before he or she is sold 
alcoholic beverage or beverages and it is later determined that such 
person was a person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) 
birthday at the time of said selling, it shall be considered prima 
facie evidence that the licensee and/or the licensee's employee acted 
in good faith in selling those alcoholic beverage or beverages to such 
person or persons so producing the document as set forth in this 
section misrepresenting his or her age.
    7.12. Possession of Beverage by Underage Persons. [3-8-10] Any 
person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday who 
has in his or her possession any beverage as defined in this ordinance 
shall be fined One Hundred Dollars ($100) for the first violation; Two 
Hundred Dollars ($200) for the second violation; and Five Hundred 
Dollars ($500) for the third or subsequent violation.
    7.13. Purchase or Procurement of Alcoholic Beverages for Underage 
Persons by Adults. [3-8-11.1] It shall be deemed a violation of this 
ordinance for any adult to purchase from any licensee or any employee 
of any licensee for the sale, delivery, service of or giving away to or 
causing or permitting or procuring 

[[Page 36572]]
to be sold, delivered, served or given away any alcoholic beverage to 
any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday.
    7.14. Penalty for Violation of 7.13. [3-8-11.2] Any adult who shall 
violate any of the provisions of 7.13 shall be fined Two Hundred 
Dollars ($200) for a first violation, Four Hundred Dollars ($400) for a 
second violation, and One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for the third or 
subsequent violation.
    7.15. Penalty for Carrying Beverages for Unlawful Sale. [3-4-6] 
Every expressman, common carrier, or other person who, for the purpose 
of carrying to any other person, receives any beverage which has been 
sold or is intended for sale in violation of this Ordinance, having 
reasonable cause to believe that the same has been, or is intended to 
be so sold, shall be fined not more than $500.
    7.16. Waybill or Memorandum of Shipment Required. [3-4-7] Whenever 
beverages shall be transported in wholesale quantities as herein 
defined from the place where sold for delivery to the purchaser, the 
person in charge of the vehicle in which the beverage shall be 
transported shall, during the transportation, have in his possession a 
waybill or a memorandum from the seller to the purchaser showing the 
name and address of the seller and of the purchaser and the quantity 
and character of the beverage sold and transported. Upon the demand of 
any Tribal Gaming Commissioner or Tribal law enforcement officer or 
other authorized law enforcement officer, the person in charge of the 
transportation shall exhibit the waybill or the memorandum. The 
foregoing provisions shall apply to interstate transactions to the 
extent the Tribe in the exercise of its sovereignty may impose them. 
Any person transporting beverages in violation of this section shall be 
fined not more than $50 for each violation.
    7.17. Age Restriction for Bartenders. [3-8-2] It shall be a 
violation of this Ordinance for any person to be permitted to act as a 
bartender for the purposes of mixing, preparing, serving or selling 
from a bar which is used for the purpose of dispensing beverages in any 
licensed establishment operating under any license authorized by this 
Ordinance, who has not reached his eighteenth (18th) birthday.
    7.18. Suspension of License for Employment of Underage Bartender. 
[3-8-3] Any licensee who violates, or permits to be violated, the 
provisions of section 7.17, shall be subject to the suspension of 
license for a period of at least three (3) calendar days for the first 
violation. The number of calendar days of suspension shall be 
determined by the Commission which shall increase the period fixed for 
suspension if additional violations occur, but not to exceed one year.
    7.19. Drinking by or Hiring of Underage Persons. [3-8-4] It shall 
be a violation of this Ordinance for any licensee to hire any persons 
who have not reached their eighteenth birthday to sell or serve 
beverages in any place where those beverages may be consumed on the 
premises where sold.
    7.20. Personal Consumption by Employees. It shall be a violation of 
this Ordinance for any employee of a tribally owned or tribally 
operated establishment selling or distributing alcoholic beverages, 
during his working hours or in connection with his employment, to 
obtain, or to purchase for himself, or to consume alcoholic beverages.
    7.21. Hours of Retail Sale. It shall be a violation of this 
Ordinance for an employee of a tribally authorized retail outlet to 
sell, dispose of, deliver, or give away alcoholic beverages on the 
retail outlet premises except during the normal posted business hours 
of the retail outlet. No sale, delivery or disposition of alcoholic 
beverages may occur on election days during the hours that polling 
places are open for voting.
    7.22. Intoxicated Employees. It shall be a violation of this 
Ordinance for an employee of a tribally owned or operated retail outlet 
or enterprise which sells or distributes alcoholic beverages, when 
engaged in waiting on or serving customers, to consume alcoholic 
beverages or remain on or about the premises while in an intoxicated or 
disorderly condition.

Chapter 8  Hearings and Appeals

    8.1. Petition to Commission for Rehearing. Any person aggrieved by 
a decision made or action taken by the Commission without notice and 
opportunity for hearing, may petition the Commission for a hearing and 
reconsideration. The petition shall be filed within thirty (30) days 
after the petitioner knew or should have known of the decision or 
action. The Commission shall grant a prompt hearing upon receiving such 
a petition, and shall reconsider its decision or action, affirm, 
modify, reverse and/or vacate its decision in writing to the aggrieved 
party or such party's representative in light of what is presented at a 
hearing.
    8.2. Appeal of Commission Decision. Any person aggrieved by a 
decision made or action taken by the Commission after notice and 
opportunity for hearing may petition any court of competent 
jurisdiction for review. Such petition shall specifically set forth the 
reasons for aggrievement, and be filed with the court no later than 
thirty (30) days after the Commission's decision or action. The court 
shall set the matter for hearing no later than thirty (30) days after 
receipt of the petition, and may, upon establishing that it has 
jurisdiction, affirm, modify, reverse and/or vacate the Commission's 
order.

Chapter 9  Records and Reports

    9.1. Reporting to Commission and State. All records, reports or 
other documentation required to be provided to State authorities by any 
licensee shall also be provided to the Commission on the same basis and 
in the same form as required by the State. True and correct copies in 
lieu of originals shall be acceptable for filing with the Commission.
    9.2. Reporting of Alcoholic Beverages Relating to Gaming. The price 
of any alcoholic beverage sold to a gaming customer in partial 
consideration for amounts wagered need not be billed by separate charge 
to the individual customer; provided, however, that the price of each 
such alcoholic beverage deemed sold to a gaming customer in partial 
consideration for amounts wagered shall be no less than the price 
required for such sales pursuant to the laws of the State and shall be 
separately accounted for by the tribal operation, any tax due under the 
laws of the State for the retail sale of such beverages shall be paid 
with respect to such sales, and daily and monthly records shall be 
maintained with respect thereto and shall be available for inspection 
by the State gaming agency and by the State Department of Liquor 
Control or any successor State agency.
    9.3. Petition of Commission for Late Filing. Any licensee paying a 
penalty for late filing, or becoming subject to such penalty, or 
failing to file a report on time, and who believes he has an acceptable 
excuse, may petition the Commission for a waiver of the penalty. The 
petition shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the licensee knew 
or should have known that the payment was due, but not more than six 
(6) months after the due date in any case.

Chapter 10  Taxes

    10.1. Sales Tax. There is hereby levied and shall be collected a 
tax on each retail sale of alcoholic beverages on the Reservation in 
the amount of two percent (2%) of the retail sales price. The tax 
imposed by this section shall apply to all retail sales of alcoholic 
beverages on the Reservation. No 

[[Page 36573]]
municipality, city, town, county, nor the State of Rhode Island shall 
have any power to impose an excise tax on alcoholic beverages as 
defined by this Ordinance or govern or license the sale or distribution 
thereof in any manner within the Reservation except to the extent 
permitted by 18 U.S.C. 1161 and the provisions of the Tribal-State 
Compact. The tax hereunder shall not be effective until ordered by the 
Tribal Council and the Tribal Gaming Commission.
    10.2. Distribution of Taxes. All taxes, license and permit fees, 
and profits from retail outlets owned or operated by the Tribe, shall 
be paid over to the Commission which in turn shall transfer such funds 
to the Treasurer of the Tribe and be subject to distribution by the 
Tribal Council in accordance with its usual appropriation procedures 
for essential governmental and social services; Provided, however, that 
priority in funding shall, to the greatest extent possible, be given to 
those tribal programs which demonstrate the greatest need and past 
successful performance in providing community services to Tribal 
members.
    10.3. Income and Tax Reports. Along with payment of the taxes 
herein imposed, 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.
    10.4. Audit. As a condition of obtaining a license, the licensee 
must agree to the review or audit of its book and records relating to 
the sale of alcoholic beverages on the Reservation. Said review or 
audit may be done periodically by the Tribe through its agents or 
employees whenever, in the opinion of the Tribal Gaming Commission or 
Tribal Council such a review or audit is necessary to verify the 
accuracy of reports.

Chapter 11  Severability

    11.1. Severability. Each section of this Ordinance and each part of 
each section is hereby declared to be a separable and independent 
section, and the holding of any section or sections or part or parts 
thereof to be void, ineffective or unconstitutional for any cause, 
shall not be deemed to affect any other section or part thereof, unless 
necessary to the operation thereof.

Chapter 12  Miscellaneous

    12.1. Conformity with State Laws and Tribal Liquor Ordinance. The 
introduction, possession, transportation and sale of beverages within 
tribal lands shall be in conformity with the provisions of this 
Ordinance and the laws of the State of Rhode Island as that term is 
used in 18 U.S.C. 1161.
    12.2. No Divestment of Jurisdiction or Immunity. Nothing in this 
ordinance grants or shall be construed to grant to the State or any 
agency, department or commission thereof, general state civil 
regulatory or taxing authority over the Tribe or its lands, property, 
members or activities except as expressly required by 18 U.S.C. 1161, 
or recognized by a valid Tribal-State Compact approved by the Secretary 
of the Interior. Additionally, nothing in this ordinance shall waive or 
be construed to waive the immunity of the Tribe or any agency, 
department, enterprise or commission thereof from suit without the 
express consent of the Tribe.
    12.3. Tribe-State Compact. To the extent that any provision of any 
Tribal-State Compact entered into between the Narragansett Tribe and 
the State of Rhode Island are inconsistent with any provision of this 
Ordinance, the provisions of the compact shall govern.
    12.4. Conflict of Interest. No member of the Narragansett Tribal 
Council or the Narragansett Gaming Commission or its employees, nor any 
member of the immediate household of any of the above may, directly or 
indirectly, individually or as a member of a partnership or as a 
shareholder of a corporation, have any interest whatsoever in the sale 
of alcoholic beverages or have any compensation or profit therefrom as 
may be licensed or permitted by this Ordinance. For purposes of this 
Ordinance ``immediate household'' is defined as son(s), daughter(s), 
step-son(s), step-daughter(s), spouse or spouses recognized by common-
law and members of the family or of the household living in the same 
house.
    12.5. Environmental Aspects. Any person or entity operating under a 
tribal beverage license shall maintain adequate and sufficient 
procedures for the separation, storage and re-cycling of all plastic, 
glass and aluminum waste products generated by virtue of its operation 
under the tribal license and shall at all times keep the licensed 
premises in a clean and orderly condition.
    12.6. Access for State Agents or Inspectors. Duly authorized agents 
or inspectors of the State shall, upon presentation of their 
credentials, be granted immediate access to inspect any premises where 
beverages are stored, distributed or sold and to examine all books and 
records pertaining to the business conducted by virtue of the license. 
In the event such officials desire access to the licensed premises of 
any licensee of the Commission, said official shall first present his 
or her credentials to the Commission representative on duty in the 
licensed premises who, together with an authorized representative of 
the licensed establishment, and an authorized representative of the 
management contractor, if any, shall insure that all officials are 
provided with all lawful access.
    12.7. Administration and Bonding.
    (a) The administration of all matters relating to the conduct of 
any business by virtue of a tribal beverage license shall be through 
the auspices of the Commission. The Commission may, at any time before 
or after the issuance of any license, order any applicant or licensee 
to post an acceptable surety bond in such an amount as is deemed 
appropriate, or to increase the amount of any existing bond.
    (b) The amount of any bond or the increase in any bond shall be 
based upon such factors as the Commission deems material to the 
circumstances, including, by way of illustration, the financial 
stability and strength, and the business history of the applicant or 
licensee, or such other considerations as may be relevant to the 
applicant or licensee. The Commission shall provide any applicant or 
licensee with reasonable explanation of the basis for establishing or 
changing the amount of any bond and with sufficient time within which 
to acquire additional bond amounts, should the Commission make such an 
order.

Chapter 13  Tribal Jurisdiction and Enforcement

    13.1. Authority. The Tribal Council, until such time as the Tribe 
has established and staffed a Tribal Court, shall have jurisdiction 
over all offenses and unlawful acts enumerated in this Ordinance when 
committed by an Indian, whether or not the violator is a member or non-
member of the Narragansett Tribe.
    13.2. Proof of Unlawful Activity. In any proceeding under this 
Ordinance, proof of one unlawful sale or distribution of alcoholic 
beverages shall suffice to establish prima facie intent or purpose of 
unlawfully keeping alcoholic beverages for sale, selling alcoholic 
beverages or distributing alcoholic beverages in violation of this 
Ordinance.
    13.3. General Penalties. Any person adjudged to be in violation of 
this Ordinance shall be subject to a civil penalty as set forth herein. 
The Tribal Gaming Commission may adopt by separate rule or regulation, 
subject to Tribal Council approval, a schedule of fines for each type 
of violation, taking into account its seriousness and the 

[[Page 36574]]
threat it may pose to the general health and welfare of the Tribal 
members. Such a schedule may also provide, in the case of repeated 
violations, for imposition of monetary fines in excess of those 
otherwise imposed for a first offense.
    13.4. Illegal Items Declared Contraband. 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 Tribal Gaming Commission to enforce this section shall seize all 
contraband which he shall have the authority to seize. All seized 
contraband shall be preserved in a secured area provided for storage of 
impounded property and he shall promptly prepare an inventory, a copy 
of which shall be promptly delivered to the Tribal Gaming Commission. 
Upon being found in violation of this Ordinance by the Tribal Gaming 
Commission, the party shall forfeit all right, title and interest in 
the items seized which shall become the property of the Narragansett 
Tribe.

Chapter 14  Transmission to Secretary

    14.1. Transmission to Secretary. The Tribal Council shall, upon 
approval of this Ordinance, evidenced by a Tribal resolution, transmit 
the Ordinance, together with the Tribal resolution to the Secretary of 
the Interior for certification and publication.

Chapter 15  Amendment

    15.1. Amendment of Ordinance. This Ordinance may only be amended by 
a majority vote of the Tribal Council. The Tribal Gaming Commission 
may, when it deems it necessary in aid of its administration of this 
Ordinance, propose written amendments to this Ordinance to the Tribal 
Council for consideration and adoption.

    Dated: June 23, 1995.
Ada E. Deer,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 95-17427 Filed 7-14-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4301-02-P