California Tribe Takes Control of Reservation Booze Sales
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians in California just passed a new Liquor Control Ordinance that starts on March 20, 2026. This new rule lets the tribe manage how alcohol is sold, made, and used on their land, keeping things safe and fair. It affects everyone on the reservation and helps the tribe take charge of liquor activities without federal interference.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribal and State Licenses Required
To sell, manufacture, or distribute liquor on the reservation you must hold both a State of California license and a Tribal license; the Tribe will not issue a Tribal license unless the applicant shows satisfactory proof of a State license. Applications must include applicant names/addresses, officers or >10% shareholders, fingerprints, an oath/notarization, and a fee; the Tribe holds a public hearing (at least 10 days' notice) and must act within 30 days of the hearing. Tribal licenses are issued annually on a calendar-year basis and may be temporarily issued for events.
Tribe Gains Full Liquor Control
The Elem Indian Colony will regulate the sale, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol on its reservation and trust lands starting March 20, 2026. Alcohol activity on tribal lands must conform with State of California law and the Tribe's Liquor Control Ordinance, and the legal age for possession and consumption on tribal lands is the State age of 21 years.
New 1.5% Tribal Liquor Sales Tax
Retail sales of liquor on the Tribe's lands will be taxed at one and one-half percent (1.5%) of the retail sales price. Those tax payments are due on the 15th day of the month following the calendar quarter, late taxes accrue interest at two percent (2%) per month, quarterly sales accounting is required, and licensees must submit to bi‑annual audits as a condition of licensing.
Penalties, Suspension, and Revocation Rules
Violations of the ordinance can result in civil penalties of up to $500 per violation, and the Tribe may suspend or revoke licenses for causes such as felony convictions, misrepresentation on applications, violations of tribal ordinances or California Alcoholic Beverage Control rules. Revocation proceedings include a written accusation, at least 30 days' notice of hearing, and a decision within 60 days of the hearing.
Liquor Revenue Funds Tribal Government
Gross proceeds from licensing, sales, and enforcement under the ordinance will first pay necessary personnel, administrative, and legal costs incurred in enforcement, and the remainder will be put into the Tribe's General Fund to be used for governmental services and programs. This directs how revenue from liquor activity on tribal lands will be allocated.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17053, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Sale of Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance Amendment
This notice publishes the amended Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Sale of Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance, which supersedes the previous ordinance published on May 14, 2002.
2026-17057, Caddo Nation Liquor Control Code
This notice publishes the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma Liquor Control. The liquor control code is to regulate and control the possession, sale, manufacture and distribution of alcohol in conformity with the laws of the State of Oklahoma for the purpose of generating new Tribal revenues. Enactment of the code will help provide a source of revenue to strengthen Tribal government, provide for the economic viability of Tribal enterprises and improve delivery of Tribal government services.
2026-15360, Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns or has an interest in irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We are notifying you that we have adjusted the irrigation assessment rates at several of our irrigation projects and facilities to reflect current costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
2026-14130, Indian Gaming; Approval by Operation of Law of the Wyandotte Nation and State of Kansas Gaming Compact
The Wyandotte Nation and the State of Kansas now have an official gaming agreement that lets the tribe run class III gaming, including sports betting, starting July 14, 2026. Since the government didn’t act within 45 days, the deal automatically got approved by law. This means more gaming options and potential revenue for the tribe and the state, with sports bets placed anywhere in Kansas counting as if made on tribal land.
2026-14057, FY 2026 Job Placement and Training-Native American Technology and Manufacturing Grant Pilot Program (IGNITE: Indigenous Growth in New & Innovative Trade Employment); Solicitation of Proposals
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is launching the IGNITE grant pilot program in FY 2026 to help Native American communities train for cool tech and manufacturing jobs like AI, drones, and construction. Tribal groups can apply for funding to build new workforce programs that prepare people for these future-ready careers. Applications open soon and will be accepted for about 30 days, so get ready to ignite some serious job growth!
2026-13718, Agency Information Collection Activities; Tribal Revenue Allocation Plans
The Bureau of Indian Affairs wants to keep collecting info about how tribes share their money, making sure the process stays clear and easy. This affects tribal governments who submit these plans, and the agency is asking for your thoughts by September 8, 2026. No big changes or costs are planned, just a smooth renewal to keep things running right.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03106, Notice of Intent To Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Assessment; Initiation of Public Scoping Under the National Environmental Policy Act; Initiation of Consultation Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; and Notice of Intent To Develop a Section 106 Programmatic Agreement With the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer
The EPA is starting a big review to check how cleaning up contaminated lands in Alaska might affect the environment and Native communities. This effort will involve Alaska Native groups and focus on protecting historic sites, wildlife, and wetlands. The process kicks off now and will guide how funds are used to fix these lands while respecting culture and nature.
Next: 2026-03108, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Indiana’s Family Services to double-check who really qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program, which help low-income folks get cheaper internet and phone service. This new computer matching program starts March 20, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep the programs fair and on track. If you’re involved, watch for updates and get ready to share info to keep your benefits.