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Policy Watchtower/Final rule

BIA certifies new Tonto Apache liquor code, effective Aug. 24, 2026

Interior DepartmentFinal ruleAug 24, 2026

Check: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) published the Tonto Apache Tribe's Liquor Control Code, which repeals and replaces the 1986 code and took effect August 24, 2026.

Read in the Federal Register

What it does

Businesses that make, distribute or sell liquor on the Tribe's Tribal Lands (trust lands and other Indian country) now need a license from the Tonto Apache Liquor Control Commission. The code sets license terms: manufacturer and retailer licenses run one year, and wholesaler licenses run three years. Licensees must also follow Arizona liquor laws to the extent federal law requires, under 18 U.S.C. 1161.

Why it matters for tribal funding

Jurisdiction and sovereignty. It touches tribal authority, trust land or treaty rights, which can change what programs a tribe administers.

Who it covers: Tribal governments, Tribal enterprises.

What to do next

  1. Any business planning liquor manufacture, wholesale or retail on Tonto Apache Tribal Lands should confirm the license class and application requirements with the Tribe's Liquor Control Commission.
  2. Grants offices working with the Tribe on liquor-related economic development or revenue plans should review the full code text in the Federal Register notice.
  3. For questions about the certification, contact BIA Western Regional Office at (480) 744-4992 or the Office of Regulatory Affairs at (202) 738-6065.

Sources

Every signal is built from public records. The highlighted words appear in the source exactly as shown.

  • Federal Register: tribal agenciesNoticeAug 24, 2026

    Tonto Apache Tribe of Arizona Liquor Control Code

    • Quoted from the source: “DATES: This code shall become effective August 24, 2026.”
    • Quoted from the source: “A person may not engage in retail Sale of Liquor from a location on Tribal Lands unless said person has received a Retailer license from the Commission.”
    • Quoted from the source: “The Wholesaler license is valid for a term of three (3) years.”
    Read in the Federal RegisterU.S. government record, public domain.

Terms with a dotted underline open a plain-language definition. This is guidance, not legal advice: the official text always controls. A free public service from GrantsPath, a Native-owned business.