MCK addresses issue of alcohol sales in light of charges against local entrepreneur

10/23/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to advise the community that Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton has stated that the MCK is prepared to take legal action to protect Kahnawà:ke’s jurisdiction over the sale of alcohol within the community.

The issue has arisen in light of the case against Floyd Lahache, a local entrepreneur who has been operating a winery within the Territory for several years.

First Nations Winery has a permit issued by Kahnawà:ke’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Board to manufacture and distribute its products within the Territory.

The manufacture and sale of alcohol is included in the Ten Agreements signed in 1999 between the MCK and Quebec, which would see Quebec accepting Kahnawà:ke jurisdiction in this matter. Negotiations and discussions have taken place on this matter over the years and, in the meantime, the aforementioned Kahnawà:ke Alcoholic Beverages Control Law was created and implemented under these terms.

“Mr. Lahache has gone through hoops to follow every rule and regulation according to our laws,” said Grand Chief Norton. “We are hoping to meet shortly with Quebec Premier Couillard on the several matters, including the status of the Ten Agreements and its relation to the case against Mr. Lahache, which could have very serious implications.”

“We are willing to fight this all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary,” he concluded. “It’s our jurisdiction – plain and simple.”