SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The four stores in Whiteclay, Nebraska, that sell over three million cans of beer a year, mainly to residents of liquor-free Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, could be seeing the end of their monopoly.
The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission voted 3-0 yesterday to deny the renewal of the store's licenses.
Chairman Bob Batt made the motion after investigating complaints, circumstances and facts. Batt says the nearest Nebraska law enforcement in Sheridan County is twenty miles from White Clay. He says there is no cooperation or communication between the Nebraska sheriff and the Pine Ridge Tribal Police.
Alcohol is banned on Pine Ridge but the four stores sell 3.5 million cans of beer annually.
Commissioner Bruce Bailey cited over 150 ambulance calls, intoxicated people sleeping on the streets, "the smell of the place as you come in and out, realizing that people are using the sides of buildings for something other than just leaning against."
The commission voted unanimously to deny the licenses. The lawyer for the liquor store owners says there will be an appeal.
(Thanks Jerry Oster, WNAX Yankton)
