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CRST regulates sales of mouthwash

Mouthwash contains 26% alcohol




Mouthwash sales will be limited on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, according to a notification issued by Tribal Chairman Harold Frazier.

Mouthwash sales will be limited on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, according to a notification issued by Tribal Chairman Harold Frazier.

EAGLE BUTTE — Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Chairman Harold Frazier issued a notification to businesses located on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation outlining new tribal regulations regarding the sales of mouthwash.

Chairman Frazier said that the CRST Tribal Council passed the resolution on October 4th in order “to prevent and deter people from ingesting mouthwash as an intoxicant.”

The problem of people drinking mouthwash that contains alcohol has long plagued the tribe. Mouthwash is not only easily accessible, it is also a cheap alternative to other alcoholic drinks.

“This bottle of mouthwash contains 26% alcohol. $3.15 is all it takes to kill my people,” said Remi Bald Eagle, CRST Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator.

Because of the high content of alcohol in mouthwash, inebriation can occur quickly.

Research shows that long-term ingestion of high amounts of mouthwash is detrimental to the body. Chemicals found in mouthwash can deter the gastrointestinal tract, cause blindness, and lead to organ failure. Alcohol poisoning and death are not uncommon in cases of mouthwash abuse.

After public outcry to regulate mouthwash sales, CRST tribal council passed the follow regulations which businesses on the reservation must abide by. These regulations take effect on Friday, November 3rd:

• No retailer may sell, and no person may purchase mouthwash in quantities greater than one bottle per transaction, per week.

• Retailers may not sell mouthwash to a person who is under eighteen years of age or who is visibly intoxicated.

• Anyone who purchases mouthwash must now present a government-issued identification card at the time of sale.

• Mouthwash must now be sold from “behind the counter” with a posted notice of the proper use of mouthwash.

• Businesses must now keep a written record of each mouthwash sale using a form that is issued by the tribe’s Director of the Revenue Department.

The letter also outlines the penalties for failing to adhere to the new regulations. First violation of the regulations is grounds for suspension of the tribal business license for 30 days. A second violation is grounds of revocation of the tribal business license.

Although the regulations have yet to become effective, the Family Dollar store in Eagle Butte has already pulled mouthwash from its shelves and is now stocking them behind the counter.

“Regulating the sale of mouthwash is a small step on a long journey to healing our community. This cannot and should not be the only step we take,” said Bald Eagle.

(Alaina Adakai can be contacted at aadakai01@ gmail.com)


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