Native American Cigarette Shops Close
PALM SPRINGS – The state claims it’s losing thousands of dollars in cigarette tax.
Officialssaysome local smoke shops are failing to charge customers. The smoke shops are located on tribal land where tribal members are not subject to the tax,but the general public is.
On that note, disappointment would be a one word you could use for people looking to buy Native American cigarettes at the Black Hawk Tobacco shop in Cathedral City.
“Big shuckswe come from Blythe and we come up here once a month so its surprising,” says Sue Kelley.
Dick Hoffmanwanted to believe a sign on the door.
“The sign on the door says they’re closed for renovation, that’s what I figured they’re closed for renovation.”
The renovation sign is up for interpretation.
According to the California attorney general’s office,Black Hawk Tobacco closed its 4 stores as of 5 PM last Wednesday. All 4 shops are located on Agua Caliente Tribal land.
A lawsuit filed in June by the attorney generals office allegesBlack hawk Tobacco failed to include the state cigarette taxonpurchases made by non-tribal members who are subject to an 87 cents tax on every pack of cigarettes purchased. It turns out, some customers were wrong in thinking the tax break was possible due to the Agua Caliente Tribe’s sovereignty rights.
Dick Zinnert is one of Black hawk’s newest customers.
“I wasn’t aware they weren’t affiliated with the Agua Caliente or anything like that. I’ve only been here about a month, moving from the east coast and I just found this place.”
At the 7 leaf Trading Post which is also on tribal land, they’re still selling Native American cigarettes. In fact business is brisk with Black hawk directing traffic to 7 Leaf.
Back at the Black hawk location in Cathedral City,it’s easy to spot the sign on the doorsending smokers to 7 Leaf for their purchases.
The attorney general’s office tells News channel 3,7 leaf has been sent a cease and desist letter for also allegedly failing to charge the cigarette tax.But for now the smoke shop remains open.
And folks like Sal Valdomar are stocking up. He was sent on an errand to pick up his son’s favorite brand of smokes.
“We understand they received a letter and they’re supposed to close down also similar, so I got 3 cartons just in case. He’s on his own after that if they close. Maybe it’s for the best.”
The attorney general’s office tells News Channel 3the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has been on board from the beginning of the investigation into the smoke shops. In fact, the attorney general’s office received a letter from the tribe last month supporting the state’s lawsuit.
