Oneida liquor hearing next week

NEW YORK -- As reported by the Oneida Daily Dispatch: "The New York State Liquor Authority will weigh arguments for and against the Oneida Indian Nation receiving liquor licenses at its Sept. 5 board meeting to be held in Manhattan.

"According to Michael Smith, public information officer for the authority, letters against granting the Nation a liquor license far outweigh letters in support of granting the license.

"Politicians including Assemblyman Bill Magee, D-111, and Assemblyman David Townsend, R-115, have sent letters to the authority voicing their opinions. Magee is concerned that if the Nation is granted a license, it will not pay taxes on the beer, wine and liquor that is being served.

"Magee said the liquor license could be used as a 'bargaining chip' by the state to encourage negotiation of the land claim..."