Nez Perce Tribe’s convention center liquor bill clears Senate committee
Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Senate State Affairs Committee agreed it makes sense to give a liquor license to the Nez Perce tribe for its new convention center on the Clearwater River. Monday's vote, with quiet opposition from just a couple of Republicans, moves the measure to the Senate floor for a vote. After that, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter must sign it before the northcentral Idaho tribe will be able to sell cocktails at its casino, convention center and 50-room hotel. The Nez Perce need an exemption, under Idaho's strict 1947 liquor law meant to promote temperance. The law forbids liquor licenses outside city limits. As a result, every time a facility like the tribe's complex near Lewiston is proposed, it must seek an exemption if they want to sell liquor-by-the-drink.