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Smoke Shop Confrontation
Indian fight over smoke shop heads to court
(Providence-AP) -- The state and the Narragansett Indian Tribe have taken their dispute over the tribe's tax-free tobacco store to two separate courts.
The Narragansett Indian Tribe is suing the state in federal court, seeking a declaration that they have a right to sell tobacco tax-free.
The state attorney general is asking Rhode Island's Superior Court for a declaration that the tribe acted illegally.
Both sides are also seeking temporary restraining orders against the other. The Narragansetts want an order that would stop the state from interfering with their business.
Meanwhile, the state is asking for an order preventing the tribe's tobacco sales.
Narragansett leader Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas says the tribe does not have to answer to state law. He says the issues should be resolved by the federal courts.
State officials say a 1978 agreement with the tribe makes them subject to state laws.
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