[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 3 (Monday, January 6, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 524-529]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-28443]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

[120 A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900]


Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River Reservation; Amended 
and Restated Liquor Ordinance

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice publishes the Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule 
River Reservation's Amended and Restated Liquor Ordinance. The Liquor 
Ordinance regulates and controls the consumption, possession, 
manufacture, distribution, and sale of liquor within the Reservation.

DATES: This ordinance shall take effect on February 5, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Harley Long, Tribal Government 
Officer, Pacific Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 2800 
Cottage Way, Room W-2820 Sacramento, California 95825; telephone: (916) 
978-6000, fax: (916) 978-6099.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Act of August 15, 1953, 
Public Law 83-277, 67 Stat. 586, 18 U.S.C. 1161, as interpreted by the 
Supreme Court in Rice v. Rehner, 463 U.S. 713 (1983), the Secretary of 
the Interior shall certify and publish in the Federal

[[Page 525]]

Register notice of adopted liquor control ordinances for the purpose of 
regulating liquor transactions in Indian country. On April 29, 2019, 
the Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River Reservation duly adopted 
the Amended and Restated Liquor Ordinance. This Federal Register Notice 
comprehensively amends and supersedes the existing Tule River Indian 
Reservation Ordinance Legalizing the Introduction, Sale, or Possession 
of Intoxicants, which was published in the Federal Register on December 
30, 1970 (35 FR 19798), and repeals all previous ordinances regulating 
liquor within the Reservation, including the ordinance published in the 
Federal Register on April 9, 1954 (19 FR 2065).
    This notice is published in accordance with the authority delegated 
by the Secretary of the Interior to the Assistant Secretary--Indian 
Affairs. I certify that the Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River 
Reservation duly adopted these amendments to the Tribe's Liquor 
Ordinance on April 29, 2019.

    Dated: December 17, 2019.
Tara Sweeney,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.

    The Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River Reservation's Amended 
and Restated Liquor Ordinance shall read as follows:

Ordinance No. 2019--

Amended and Restated Liquor Ordinance

Table of Contents

I. Title
II. Authority
III. Scope
IV. Purpose
V. Findings
VI. Definitions
VII. Powers of Enforcement
VIII. Sales of Liquor
IX. Licensing
X. Manufacture and Distribution
XI. Prohibitions and Violations
XII. Enforcement and Penalties
XIII. Taxation
XIV. Profits
XV. Severability and Miscellaneous

I. Title

    This ordinance shall be known as the Amended and Restated Liquor 
Ordinance. The short title shall be ``Liquor Ordinance''.

II. Authority

    This Liquor 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 VI, 
Section 1(a) of the Constitution of the Tule River Indian Tribe (the 
``Tribe''), in conformity with the laws of the State of California.

III. Scope

    A. This Liquor Ordinance shall apply to the full extent of the 
jurisdiction of the Tribe.
    B. Compliance with this Liquor Ordinance is hereby made a condition 
of the use of any land or premises within the Reservation.
    C. Any person who resides, conducts business, engages in a business 
transaction, receives benefits from the Tribe, acts under Tribal 
authority, or enters the Reservation shall be deemed to have consented 
to the following:
    1. To be bound by the terms of this Liquor Ordinance;
    2. To the exclusive jurisdiction of the Tribal Court and Tribal 
Court of Appeals for legal action arising under this Liquor Ordinance; 
and
    3. To service of summons and process, and search and seizure, in 
conjunction with legal actions arising pursuant to this Liquor 
Ordinance.
    D. No portion of this Liquor Ordinance shall be construed as 
contrary to Federal law or applicable California laws.

IV. Purpose

    The purpose of this Liquor Ordinance is to regulate and control the 
consumption, possession, manufacture, distribution and sale of liquor 
within the Reservation (as defined herein), and to permit the sale of 
liquor by Tribal Retailers, Existing Retailers and Retailers (each as 
defined herein) to promote the economic development of the Tribe. The 
enactment of this Liquor Ordinance will increase the ability of the 
Tribal government to control liquor sales and consumption within the 
Reservation and will provide an important source of revenue for the 
continued operation and strengthening of the Tribal government and the 
delivery of Tribal government services.
    This Liquor Ordinance amends and restates the previous ordinance 
regulating liquor within the Reservation adopted November 7, 1970 and 
published in the Federal Register on December 30, 1970 at 35 FR 19798, 
and repeals all previous ordinances regulating liquor within the 
Reservation, including the ordinance published in the Federal Register 
on April 9, 1954 at 19 FR 2065.

V. Findings

    The Tribal Council finds as follows:
    A. The consumption, possession, manufacture, distribution and sale 
of liquor in Indian Country are matters of particular concern to the 
Tribe and the United States. Consistent with the laws of the United 
States, the control of liquor within the Reservation remains subject to 
the legislative enactments of the Tribe in the exercise of its 
governmental powers over the Reservation.
    B. Federal law permits the sale of liquor within the Reservation; 
provided the sale and possession of liquor is consistent with the laws 
of the State of California and pursuant to an Ordinance duly adopted by 
the Tribe (18 U.S.C. 1161).
    C. The Tribal Council, as the governing body of the Tribe under 
Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Tribe, desires to 
adopt this Liquor Ordinance to authorize and regulate the consumption, 
possession, manufacture, distribution and sale of liquor within the 
Reservation, as provided herein.

VI. Definitions

    As used in this Liquor Ordinance, the following words shall have 
the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
    A. ``Alcohol'' means that substance known as ethyl alcohol, 
hydrated oxide of ethyl, or spirits 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.
    B. ``Beer'' means any alcoholic beverage obtained by the 
fermentation of any infusion or decoction of barley, malt, hops, or any 
other similar product, or any combination thereof in water, and 
includes ale, porter, brown, stout, lager beer, small beer, and strong 
beer.
    C. ``Existing Retailer'' means a person who, prior to the effective 
date of this Liquor Ordinance: (i) Is operating and continues to 
operate a retail business located within the Reservation; and (ii) has 
a license or permit (as applicable) issued by the California Department 
of Alcoholic Beverage Control for such Liquor sales.
    D. ``Legal Age'' means the age set by the State of California at 
which it is legal to purchase, consume, or possess Liquor. At the time 
of the enactment of this Liquor Ordinance, the State of California sets 
the Legal Age at twenty-one (21). At such time, if any, the State of 
California sets the Legal Age below age twenty-one (21), the Tribal 
Council, in its sole discretion shall promulgate regulations to set the 
Legal Age within the Reservation; provided such Legal Age is at or 
above the age set by the State of California.
    E. ``License'' means a license issued pursuant to this Liquor 
Ordinance for the Sale of Liquor.

[[Page 526]]

    F. ``Licensed Premises'' means the establishment in which Liquor is 
permitted to be retailed and consumed.
    G. ``Liquor'' means 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. 
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 (1%) of Alcohol by 
weight shall be conclusively deemed to be intoxicating.
    H. ``Person'' means any natural person or entity, including but not 
limited to corporations, partnerships and trusts.
    I. ``Reservation'' means all lands under the jurisdiction and 
control of the Tule River Indian Tribe and its Tribal Council.
    J. ``Retailer'' means a person who is authorized by the Tribe to 
sell Liquor at retail from a business located within the Reservation 
after the Effective Date of this Liquor Ordinance.
    K. ``Sale'' and ``Sell'' means any exchange or barter; and also 
includes the selling, supplying or distributing by any means 
whatsoever, by any person to any person.
    L. ``Spirits'' means any beverage which contains Alcohol obtained 
by distillation, including Wines exceeding seventeen percent (17%) of 
Alcohol by weight.
    M. ``Tribal Court of Appeals'' means the Tribal Court of Appeals or 
any other entity explicitly designated by the Tribe to serve in that 
capacity for purposes of this Liquor Ordinance and as permitted under 
the Compact.
    N. ``Tribal Court'' means the judicial branch of the Tribe and such 
other divisions as the Tribal Council may establish by provision.
    O. ``Tribal Liquor Tax'' means the tax imposed as defined in 
Section XIII.A.
    P. ``Tribal Retailer'' means a retailer wholly-owned by the Tribe 
and located within the Reservation who maintains a license or permit 
(as applicable) issued by the California Department of Alcoholic 
Beverage Control.
    Q. ``Tribal'' and ``Tribe'' means the Tule River Indian Tribe of 
California, a federally recognized sovereign nation, including all 
incorporated and/or unincorporated Tribal governmental entities 
(including, without limitation, the Tribal Council, Gaming Commission, 
any economic development entities) and their officials, officers, 
managers, agents and employees.
    R. ``Tule River Tribal Council'' or ``Tribal Council'' means the 
governing body of the Tribe.
    S. ``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 (17%) of Alcohol by weight, including sweet Wines 
fortified with wine spirits such as port, sherry, muscatel, and 
angelica, not exceeding seventeen percent (17%) of Alcohol by weight 
and sake (known as Japanese rice wine).

VII. Powers of Enforcement

    A. Powers. The Tribal Council, in furtherance of this Liquor 
Ordinance, shall have the following powers and duties:
    1. To publish and enforce the rules and regulations governing the 
consumption, possession, manufacture, distribution and Sale of Liquor 
within the Reservation;
    2. To employ managers, accountants, security personnel, inspectors, 
and such other persons as shall be reasonably necessary to allow the 
Tribal Council to perform its functions;
    3. To authorize a representative to enforce this Liquor Ordinance;
    4. To issue Licenses permitting the consumption, possession, 
manufacture, distribution and Sale of Liquor within the Reservation;
    5. To revoke such Licenses as provided herein;
    6. To issue Licenses permitting the Sale of Liquor within the 
Reservation;
    7. To hold hearings on violations of this Liquor Ordinance 
(including the issuance or revocation of Licenses hereunder);
    8. To bring suit in the appropriate court to enforce this Liquor 
Ordinance as necessary;
    9. To determine and seek damages for violation of this Liquor 
Ordinance; and
    10. To collect taxes and fees levied or set by the Tribal Council, 
and to keep accurate records, books and accounts.
    B. Limitation on Powers. In the exercise of its powers and duties 
under this Liquor Ordinance, the Tribal Council and its individual 
members shall not accept any gratuity, compensation or any item of 
value from any Liquor wholesaler, retailer, or distributor or from any 
licensee.
    C. Inspection Rights. The Tribal Council, acting through its 
officials, agents, employees or other designated representatives may, 
at all reasonable times, for the purposes of determining compliance 
with this Liquor Ordinance inspect the Licensed Premises.

VIII. Sales of Liquor

    A. Licenses Required. Only Tribal Retailers, Existing Retailers, 
and Retailers licensed by the Tribe, may Sell Liquor within the 
Reservation. For purposes of clarity, a Tribal Retailer and Existing 
Retailer only require the applicable license or permit issued by the 
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to Sell Liquor 
within the Reservation.
    B. Compliance with California Law. All Sales of Liquor within the 
Reservation must comply with California law applicable to Sales of 
Liquor within the Reservation and must be in compliance with the 
conditions of the license or permit (as applicable) issued by the 
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for such Sales of 
Liquor.
    C. No Extensions of Credit. No credit shall be extended to any 
person, organization, or entity, for the Sale of Liquor. This provision 
does not prevent the use of major credit cards in the Sale of Liquor.
    D. Sale for Personal Consumption. All Sales shall be for the 
personal use and consumption of the purchaser. Resale of Liquor 
purchased within the Reservation is prohibited. Any person who is not 
licensed pursuant to this Liquor Ordinance and purchases Liquor within 
the Reservation and Sells it, whether in the original container or not, 
shall be guilty of a violation of this Liquor Ordinance and shall be 
subjected to paying damages to the Tribe as set forth herein.
    E. Acceptable Identification. Where there may be a question of a 
person's right to purchase Liquor by reason of his/her age, such person 
shall be required to present any one of the following issued cards of 
identification which shows his/her correct age and bears his/her 
signature and photograph:
    1. Tribal identification card;
    2. Driver's license of any state or identification card issued by 
any State Department of Motor Vehicles;
    3. United States active duty military or veteran identification 
cards; or
    4. Passport.

IX. Licensing

A. Applicable License Requirements

    1. Tribal Retailers. Tribal Retailers must obtain a license or 
permit (as applicable) from the California Department of Alcoholic 
Beverage Control in order to Sell Liquor within

[[Page 527]]

the Reservation, but shall not be required to obtain a License.
    2. Existing Retailers. Existing Retailers must obtain a license or 
permit (as applicable) from the California Department of Alcoholic 
Beverage Control and an additional License from the Tribe in order to 
Sell Liquor within the Reservation. In order to obtain a License from 
the Tribe, the Existing Retailer must present their license or permit 
(as applicable) from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage 
Control to the Tribal Council, certify that he/she is continually 
operating such business in compliance with the conditions of such 
license or permit, and agree to comply with the requirements of this 
Liquor Ordinance and the conditions, if any, imposed on their License 
by the Tribal Council.
    3. Retailers. In addition to a license or permit (as applicable) 
issued by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 
Retailers must obtain a License from the Tribe which shall be issued 
upon submittal of a sworn application filed with the Tribal Council 
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. A description of the premises in which the Liquor is to be sold 
and proof that the applicant is the owner of such premises, or lessee 
of such premises, for the term of the License.
    d. Agreement by the applicant to accept and abide by all conditions 
of the License.
    e. Payment of a fee as prescribed by the Tribal Council.
    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 Liquor is 
to be sold for at least thirty (30) days prior to consideration by the 
Tribal Council and has been published in the Tribal newsletter, email, 
or other print or online media directed to the Tribal community that 
may be affected by the License. The notice shall state the date, time, 
and place when the application shall be considered by the Tribal 
Council pursuant to Section B of this Article.
    B. Hearing on Application for Tribal Liquor License. All 
applications for a License shall be considered by the Tribal Council in 
an open session at which the applicant, his/her 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 Tribal Council, by secret ballot, 
shall determine whether to grant or deny the application based on:
    1. Whether the requirements of Section A of this Article have been 
met; and
    2. Whether the Tribal Council, in its discretion, determines that 
granting the License is in the best interest of the Tribe.
    In the event that the applicant is the immediate family of a Tribal 
Council member, such member shall not vote on the application or 
participate in the hearings as a Tribal Council member.
    C. Special Events. Sales of Liquor at special events do not require 
a License, provided such Sales are conducted consistent with applicable 
California law (including obtaining a permit or authorization for such 
special event to the extent required) and do not exceed one (1) day.
    D. Conditions of the Tribal License. Any License issued under this 
Liquor Ordinance shall be subject to such reasonable conditions as the 
Tribal Council shall impose, including, but not limited to the 
following:
    1. The License shall be for a term not to exceed two (2) years and 
shall automatically renew upon the payment of annual fees, if any, 
established by the Tribal Council.
    2. The Licensed Premises shall at all times be maintained in an 
orderly, clean, and neat manner.
    3. The Licensed Premises shall be subject to patrol by the Tule 
River Department of Public Safety, and such other law enforcement 
officials as may be authorized under Federal, California, or Tribal 
law.
    4. The Licensed Premises shall be open to inspection by duly 
authorized Tribal officials at all times during the regular business 
hours.
    5. Subject to the provisions of Subsection D.6. of this Article, no 
Liquor 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 Tribal Council.
    6. All acts and transactions under authority of a License shall be 
in conformity with the laws of the State of California, and shall be in 
accordance with this Liquor Ordinance and any conditions imposed on 
such License.
    7. No person under the Legal Age permitted under the laws of the 
State of California shall be sold, served, delivered, given, or allowed 
to consume Liquor on the Licensed Premises.
    8. There shall be no discrimination in the operations under the 
License by reason of race, age, disability, national origin, religion, 
or gender.
    E. License Not a Property Right. Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this Liquor Ordinance, a License is a mere permit for a 
fixed duration of time. A License shall not be deemed a property right 
or vested right of any kind, nor shall the granting of a License give 
rise to a presumption of legal entitlement to the granting of such 
License for a subsequent time period.
    F. Assignment or Transfer. No License issued under this Liquor 
Ordinance shall be assigned or transferred.

X. Manufacture and Distribution

    The Tribal Council has the authority to adopt rules and regulations 
to authorize the manufacture and distribution of Liquor within the 
Reservation. Until such time as the Tribal Council adopts such rules 
and regulations, the manufacture and distribution of Liquor for Sale is 
strictly prohibited.

XI. Prohibitions and Violations

    A. Sales or Possession With Intent to Sell Without a License. Any 
person who shall Sell or offer for Sale, distribute, manufacture, or 
transport in any manner, any Liquor in violation of this Liquor 
Ordinance, or who shall operate a business for the Sale of Liquor or 
shall have Liquor in his/her possession with intent to Sell or 
distribute without a License, shall be guilty of a violation of this 
Liquor Ordinance.
    B. 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 Premises shall be guilty of a violation of 
this Liquor Ordinance.
    C. Sales to Persons Under the Influence of Liquor. Any person who 
Sells Liquor to a person clearly under the influence of Liquor shall be 
guilty of a violation of this Liquor Ordinance.
    D. Consuming Liquor in a Mode of Public or Private Transportation. 
Any person engaged wholly, or in part, in the business of carrying 
passengers for hire (including every agent, servant or employee) or 
such person who shall knowingly allow any person to drink Liquor in any 
mode of public or private transportation shall be guilty of a violation 
of this Liquor Ordinance. Any person who shall drink any Liquor in

[[Page 528]]

any mode of public or private transportation shall be guilty of a 
violation of this Liquor Ordinance.
    E. Consumption or Possession of Liquor by Persons Under the Legal 
Age.
    1. No person under the Legal Age shall purchase, possess or consume 
any Liquor within the Reservation. Any person violating this Subsection 
shall be guilty of a separate violation of this Liquor Ordinance for 
each and every drink so consumed.
    2. Any person who shall Sell or provide Liquor to any person under 
the Legal Age shall be guilty of a violation of this Liquor Ordinance 
for each Sale or drink provided.
    3. No person shall permit any other person under the Legal Age to 
consume Liquor on his/her premises or any premises under his/her 
control.
    F. Transfer of Identification to Minor. Any person who provides, in 
any manner, a 21 years of age identification card (ID card) 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 Liquor Ordinance.
    G. Use of False or Altered Identification. Any person who attempts 
to purchase Liquor through the use of false or altered ID card, which 
falsely purports to show the individual to be of Legal Age shall be 
guilty of violating this Liquor Ordinance.

XII. Enforcement and Penalties

    A. Enforcement. In enforcing this Liquor Ordinance, the Tribal 
Council, acting on behalf of the Tribe, may take the following actions:
    1. Publish and enforce such rules and regulations as deemed 
necessary by the Tribal Council to govern the distribution, 
manufacture, Sale, consumption and possession of Liquor within the 
Tribe's jurisdiction, including establishing and imposing civil 
penalties.
    2. Revoke any License approved by the Tribal Council under this 
Liquor Ordinance, following a determination by the Tribal Council that 
the holder of said License has violated any provision of this Liquor 
Ordinance or that the License is no longer in the best interest of the 
Tribe. The Retailer or Existing Retailer shall be provided notice and 
an opportunity to be heard in any such revocation action.
    3. Bring suit in the Tribal Court, or any other court of competent 
jurisdiction, to enforce this Liquor Ordinance.
    4. Hold such hearings as the Tribal Council deems necessary to 
administer and enforce this Liquor Ordinance.
    5. Delegate to the Tribal Court such authority as may be necessary 
to enforce the civil penalties arising under this Liquor Ordinance. 
Except as may otherwise be provided by applicable Federal and state 
law, the Tribal Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to enforce this 
Liquor Ordinance.
    6. Take all such actions within the Tribal Council's authority 
under the laws and Constitution of the Tribe in the enforcement of this 
Liquor Ordinance.
    B. Judicial Enforcement. The Tribal Court is hereby vested with 
exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all violations arising 
under this Liquor Ordinance, including the determination of any 
violation by any person of the provisions of this Liquor Ordinance and 
the imposition of any penalties arising from said violations.
    C. Liquor Ordinance Violations. Unless otherwise provided for in a 
regulation adopted by the Tribal Council, any person guilty of a 
violation of this Liquor 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 Liquor Ordinance. In addition to 
any penalties so imposed, the Tribal Council may, after a duly noticed 
hearing, suspend, cancel or revoke any License issued hereunder. The 
Tribal Council shall provide at least ten (10) days' notice of the 
hearing to the Retailer or Existing Retailer. The decision of the 
Tribal Council shall be final.
    D. Declaratory and Injunctive Relief. In addition to all other 
remedies, whether in law or in equity, available to the Tribal Court 
under the Constitution and laws of the Tribe in the enforcement of this 
Liquor Ordinance, the Tribal Court may employ such declaratory and/or 
injunctive relief as may be necessary to determine the rights and 
liabilities arising under this Liquor Ordinance and to otherwise 
provide for enforcement of this Liquor Ordinance to the fullest extent 
possible under the Tribe's laws.
    E. Possession of Liquor Contrary to This Liquor Ordinance. 
Possession of Liquor contrary to the terms of this Liquor Ordinance is 
considered to be contraband. Any Tribal agent, employee, or officer who 
is authorized by the Tribal Council to enforce this Section shall have 
the authority to, and shall seize, all contraband.
    F. Disposition of Seized Contraband. Any contraband seized by an 
Officer shall be preserved in accordance with applicable law. Upon 
being found in violation of this Liquor Ordinance by the Tribal 
Council, the party shall forfeit all right, title and interest in the 
items seized which shall become the property of the Tribe.

XIII. Taxation

    A. Imposition of Tribal Liquor Tax. The Tribal Council, in its sole 
discretion, may impose a tax upon the privilege of Selling Alcohol 
within the Reservation pursuant to a duly adopted resolution (``Tribal 
Liquor Tax''). The tax rate imposed under this Liquor Ordinance shall 
be established by the Tribal Council and shall be no less than two 
percent (2%) and not exceed ten percent (10%) of the purchase price of 
the Liquor. Such Tribal Liquor Tax shall be applied in addition to any 
other taxes imposed by the Tribe.
    B. Taxes Due, Reporting and Audit Deadline. Payment of any Tribal 
Liquor Tax shall be due within thirty (30) days of the end of the 
calendar quarter for which taxes are due, or such other date set by the 
Tribal Council. Along with the payment of the taxes imposed herein, the 
Tribal Council may request an accounting of all income from the Sale or 
distribution of Liquor, as well as for the taxes collected. At its 
discretion, The Tribal Council may review or audit the books and 
records of any Existing Retailer or Retailer relating to the Sale of 
Liquor within the Reservation. Said review or audit may be done 
annually by the Tribe through its agents or employees whenever, in the 
opinion of the Tribal Council, such a review or audit is necessary to 
verify the accuracy of reports.

XIV. Profits

    A. Disposition of Proceeds. The gross proceeds collected by the 
Tribal Council from all licensing fees and from the taxation of the 
Sales of Liquor within the Reservation shall be distributed as follows:
    1. For the payment of all necessary personnel, administrative 
costs, and legal fees for the operation and its activities pursuant to 
this Liquor Ordinance.
    2. The remainder shall be turned over to the account of the Tribe 
designated by the Tribal Council.

XV. Severability and Miscellaneous

    A. Severability. If any provision or application of this Liquor 
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.

[[Page 529]]

    B. Prior Enactments. This Liquor Ordinance repeals and supersedes 
all previous liquor ordinances enacted by the Tribe.
    C. Conformance with California Laws. All acts and transactions 
under this Liquor Ordinance shall be in conformity with the laws of the 
State of California.
    D. Effective Date. This Liquor Ordinance shall be effective on such 
date as the Secretary of the Interior certifies this Liquor Ordinance 
and publishes the same in the Federal Register (the ``Effective 
Date'').
    E. Adoption and Amendment. This Liquor Ordinance shall be adopted 
and may be amended by a majority vote of the Tribal Council at a duly 
called meeting of the Tribal Council and subsequent review by the 
appropriate official of the Department of the Interior and publication 
in the Federal Register.
    F. Sovereign Immunity. Nothing contained in this Liquor Ordinance 
shall be construed as a waiver of the sovereign immunity of the Tribe, 
nor does this Liquor Ordinance in any way limit, alter, restrict, or 
waive the Tribe's sovereign immunity from unconsented suit or action. 
Nothing in this Liquor Ordinance shall be construed to confer 
jurisdiction on a court or judicial body to hear disputes or causes of 
action arising from this Liquor Ordinance or its subject matter. The 
sovereign immunity of the Tribe is in no manner waived by this Liquor 
Ordinance or by any action of any Tribal employee or official acting 
pursuant to the Liquor Ordinance.

[FR Doc. 2019-28443 Filed 1-3-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4337-15-P