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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11661 — Indian Gaming; Approval by Operation of Law of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe and State of Washington Gaming Compact
The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe and Washington State’s gaming agreement just got an automatic green light! Starting June 11, 2026, electronic table games are officially allowed on the Tribe’s lands, thanks to a new amendment that went into effect without delay. This means more fun and new gaming options for players, with no extra waiting or paperwork needed.
2026-11005 — HEARTH Act Approval of Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Business Leasing Ordinance
The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma got the green light to handle their own business leases on tribal land starting May 21, 2026. This means they can make deals faster without needing extra approval from the federal government, boosting their control and economic growth. Plus, state and local taxes won’t apply to these leases, helping the Tribe keep more money in their community.
2026-10861 — Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California; Liquor Control Ordinance
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California just passed a new Liquor Control Ordinance that lets them regulate alcohol sales and use on their tribal lands, including Vallejo County. This means tribal businesses and special events can sell liquor legally, helping boost tribal government funds and services. The new rules kick in on June 1, 2026, opening fresh opportunities for the tribe’s economy and community.
2026-10421 — Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico; Liquor Ordinance Amendment
The Pueblo of Taos in New Mexico updated its liquor rules to better control alcohol use, sales, and production on their land. These changes, effective May 26, 2026, affect everyone living in or visiting the Pueblo and may include new fees or regulations. This update helps the Pueblo protect its community while managing alcohol responsibly.
2026-10420 — Indian Child Welfare Act; Designated Tribal Agents for Service of Notice
The Indian Child Welfare Act lets tribes pick someone other than the Tribal chairman to get official notices about child custody cases. This update shares the latest list of those designated agents, effective May 26, 2026, replacing last year’s list. Tribes, courts, and families involved in these cases should use this new list to make sure notices reach the right people on time—no extra costs, just smoother communication!
2026-10422 — Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Liquor Act; Correction
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s Liquor Act got a date fix—turns out the tribe approved it on June 11, 2024, not the previously published date. This correction makes the Act officially effective as of May 26, 2026, so tribal liquor rules are now crystal clear and ready to roll. If you’re part of or work with the tribe, this update confirms when the liquor laws kick in—no surprises, just smooth sailing ahead!
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.