St. Regis Mohawk Tribe: News & Resources

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:
Ohiarihko:wa/ July 26, 2005

For information contact:
Public Information Office
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
Tel: (518) 358-2272 ext. 236
Fax: (518) 358-9675

TRIBAL COUNCIL PERMITS FEDERAL INSPECTION OF CIGARETTE MANUFACTURER
On-Site Inspection Requirement of Federal Application Process

AKWESASNE , N.Y. — The Alcohol and Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau (ATTTB) have received permission from the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council to conduct an on-site inspection of a cigarette manufacturing facility in the Akwesasne territory. The inspection is a requirement of the application process for a federal permit that Native Trading Associates (NTA) is currently attempting to secure.

“We understand that the site visit is required for an ATTTB federal permit and that Native Trading Associates is eager to complete their application,” said Tribal Chief Lorraine M. White. “It’s not a guarantee that their application will receive federal approval, but we encourage the ATTTB to complete their inspection as soon as possible.”

The formal grant of permission from the Tribal Council only provides ATTTB representatives with limited access to Akwesasne for the purpose of inspecting the cigarette manufacturing facility. In granting permission, an officer from the Tribe’s Compliance Department will accompany ATTTB personnel during the inspection.

According to Chief White, “The grant of permission is restricted and clearly specifies the Tribe’s conditions. The ATTTB can only utilize it to inspect NTA as part of their application process.”

Failure to obtain a federal permit could result in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) pursuing criminal prosecutions, business closures and the loss of hundreds of jobs. As a result, NTA has submitted an application in accordance with the federal permit process.

The ATTTB has contacted the Tribal Council and requested their cooperation and permission to inspect NTA. Two meetings were held with the ATTTB prior to giving consent and to discuss the possibility of negotiating a cooperative agreement. As part of any agreement, the Tribal Council will continue to seek an exemption from the excise tax for on-reservation sales of tobacco products.

Several community members also provided written comments during a public comment period on the federal permit requirement that contributed to permission being granted.

Final negotiations for a cooperative agreement will not take place until approval is received from the ATTTB for NTA’s application for a federal permit. Following approval, the Tribal Council will insist that the ATTTB consider a federal permit process that recognizes tribal jurisdiction and acknowledges existing regulations. This may require cigarette manufacturers to comply with both tribal and federal regulations.

“The Tribal Council is responsible for overseeing the internal affairs of our local economy,” said Tribal Chief Barbara A. Lazore. “The ATTTB recognizes the Tribe’s authority to oversee the tobacco industry in Akwesasne and affirms the need for local cigarette manufacturers to be in compliance with tribal regulations.”

The ATTTB is in the process of scheduling the on-site inspection with the Compliance Department to complete NTA’s application process.

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The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Mohawk people.








		PRESS RELEASE For immediate release: Ohiarihko:wa/ July 26, 2005 For information contact: Public Information Office St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Tel: (518) 358-2272 ext. 236 Fax: (518) 358-9675 TRIBAL COUNCIL PERMITS FEDERAL INSPECTION OF CIGARETTE MANUFACTURER On-Site Inspection Requirement of Federal Application Process AKWESASNE , N.Y. — The Alcohol and Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau (ATTTB) have received permission from the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council to conduct an on-site inspection of a cigarette manufacturing facility in the Akwesasne territory. The inspection is a requirement of the application process for a federal permit that Native Trading Associates (NTA) is currently attempting to secure. “We understand that the site visit is required for an ATTTB federal permit and that Native Trading Associates is eager to complete their application,” said Tribal Chief Lorraine M. White. “It’s not a guarantee that their application will receive federal approval, but we encourage the ATTTB to complete their inspection as soon as possible.” The formal grant of permission from the Tribal Council only provides ATTTB representatives with limited access to Akwesasne for the purpose of inspecting the cigarette manufacturing facility. In granting permission, an officer from the Tribe’s Compliance Department will accompany ATTTB personnel during the inspection. According to Chief White, “The grant of permission is restricted and clearly specifies the Tribe’s conditions. The ATTTB can only utilize it to inspect NTA as part of their application process.” Failure to obtain a federal permit could result in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) pursuing criminal prosecutions, business closures and the loss of hundreds of jobs. As a result, NTA has submitted an application in accordance with the federal permit process. The ATTTB has contacted the Tribal Council and requested their cooperation and permission to inspect NTA. Two meetings were held with the ATTTB prior to giving consent and to discuss the possibility of negotiating a cooperative agreement. As part of any agreement, the Tribal Council will continue to seek an exemption from the excise tax for on-reservation sales of tobacco products. Several community members also provided written comments during a public comment period on the federal permit requirement that contributed to permission being granted. Final negotiations for a cooperative agreement will not take place until approval is received from the ATTTB for NTA’s application for a federal permit. Following approval, the Tribal Council will insist that the ATTTB consider a federal permit process that recognizes tribal jurisdiction and acknowledges existing regulations. This may require cigarette manufacturers to comply with both tribal and federal regulations. “The Tribal Council is responsible for overseeing the internal affairs of our local economy,” said Tribal Chief Barbara A. Lazore. “The ATTTB recognizes the Tribe’s authority to oversee the tobacco industry in Akwesasne and affirms the need for local cigarette manufacturers to be in compliance with tribal regulations.” The ATTTB is in the process of scheduling the on-site inspection with the Compliance Department to complete NTA’s application process. --30-- The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Mohawk people.