The Cayuga Nation has filed a federal lawsuit against the New York State Liquor Authority, claiming discrimination and unlawful delays in granting a liquor license to Lakeside Enterprises, a Nation-owned business on its reservation.
The Nation alleges it fully complied with federal and state requirements, including passing a federally approved ordinance regulating alcohol sales, yet the SLA has delayed action for nearly a year. Officials say the SLA subjected the Nation to heightened scrutiny not applied to other applicants, including requiring a personal appearance despite no rule mandating one.
The complaint cites violations of federal civil rights laws, the Equal Protection Clause, and New York’s Human Rights Law, arguing the SLA’s actions discriminate based on race, national origin, and sovereign status. The Nation is seeking an injunction to compel the issuance of the license.
“The SLA’s refusal to issue a license threatens the Nation’s ability to provide for its citizens,” said Cayuga Nation representative Clint Halftown. “This is about standing up for our rights and protecting our community.”
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