With the devastating effects of alcohol dependency on tribal members past and present still fresh in the minds of many Native Americans it is hardly surprising that the question of selling alcohol at the Cherokee Casino remains controversial and must be resolved at the polls. The Harrah’s casino in North Carolina is the only Harrah’s casino that does not sell alcohol and on 4 June the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will vote on whether to change the no alcohol policy.

The missionary churches are adamantly opposed to the introduction of alcohol at the casino, and a similar vote was defeated in 1992 before the casino was built. Supporters of allowing alcohol at the casino say it is a business decision needed to boost declining revenues. It is claimed that selling alcohol would enhance the image of the Cherokee Casino as a destination resort.

The issue is already proving divisive whatever the result. If the casino gets the go-ahead to offer alcohol then restaurants and other businesses will push to gain equal terms. Beyond the historical significance of the vote it would seem that tribal members are unlikely to be affected one way or the other by Harrah’s serving alcohol as they could buy it cheaper in surrounding towns.
(E-05.27.09)

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