Tribe to sue beer companies for alcohol problems

LINCOLN, Neb. - An American Indian tribe says it will sue some of the world's largest beer makers for knowingly contributing to alcohol-related problems on South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota announced Thursday it will demand $500 million from five international beer manufacturers for the cost of health care, social services and child rehabilitation caused by chronic alcoholism on the reservation.

The lawsuit also targets four off-site beer stores in Whiteclay, Neb., a town with a population of about a dozen people on the South Dakota border that sells nearly 5 million cans of beer annually.

The Connecticut-sized reservation has struggled with alcoholism and poverty for generations, despite an alcohol ban since 1832. Pine Ridge legalized alcohol in 1970, but restored the ban two months later.

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by TheVarsityClub February 9, 2012 3:55 PM EST: So, anyways, I had the opportunity to talk to a women that is part of one of the Michigan tribes that were granted a gaming (casino) license. I asked her if she gets a check for being a member of the tribe, which I had heard.

She informed me that she and the rest of her family members do receive checks, though it has been a blessing and a curse. She is doing fine and investing the money in real state, while her four brothers have quit their jobs and opted to become alcoholics.

The best part about the article was the town of twelve selling 5 million cans of beer annually.

Unbelievable!; Reply to this comment


by noloyalisti February 9, 2012 3:15 PM EST: Excellent idea and I am behind any lawsuit against any giant corporation who does not do right for the commons and the masses. After all, corporations are people, according to the "Supreme" Court. So they should be prosecuted for fraud, misrepresentation, personal injury, etc., JUST LIKE PEOPLE CAN.; Reply to this comment


by mctrog007 February 9, 2012 3:06 PM EST: rainbowroosie

you don't have to smoke either but that didn't stop the tobacco companies from being sued.; Reply to this comment

by meatrex1 February 9, 2012 2:54 PM EST

I'll drink to that! Give me a break! Reparations are over people. Time to take ownership of your type II diabetes and alcohol problems. Get a job and make yourself useful to the country.

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by noloyalisti February 9, 2012 3:16 PM EST: You probably defend the Wall Street Bankster too because all those people should have not signed on for predatory loans, right. They all should have known better when the Banksters were waving free money in front of them.


by diamruby February 9, 2012 2:43 PM EST: All Indians on or off the reservations have always had aloholism, which is only their fault. No one is forcing them to drink, take drugs, choose not to work, live off the government for hundreds of years. There is no reason why these Indian nations cannot better their tribes with all the free government money. Why are all their living areas trashed, with no businessees, lots of children, child abuse, no hope??? Everyone is always trying to blame others for their problems, its easier & sometimes profitable. Its time the government stopped paying Indian tribes to not work etc., it is time they are helped to beome self sufficient & an asset to the USA.; Reply to this comment