AKWESASNE – (Enniskó:wa/March 19, 2025) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is providing notification of a non-compliant business operating in Akwesasne. Tarbell Management Group (TMG), the proprietors of Bears Den 101 and 103, located in Akwesasne, were notified via a "Notice of Violation" on December 11, 2024. A final notice was issued and delivered to the non-compliant business on February 5, 2025 and outlines the fees and penalties to be assessed. A “Notice of Suspension” was issued on March 18, 2025 to all of TMG Tobacco licenses, based upon the on-going non-compliance cited in the previous notices.
The violation is due to “Failure to comply with established Retail Tobacco Minimum Pricing” and violating the tribe’s "Tobacco Minimum Pricing" (TCR 2006-12) as amended. “The Tribal licensing, rules and regulations are intended to protect and support tribal member businesses and the community through minimum pricing and applied Tribal fees on tobacco products. Tribally-licensed businesses that comply with Tribal regulations support many community programs and services. We hope that patrons understand the importance of the support Tribally-licensed businesses provide to our community, and patronize compliant Tribally-licensed businesses,” remarked Elliott Lazore, SRMT Compliance Director.
The proprietor was given ample opportunity to return to compliance with the established minimum pricing. At the time of this release, they have failed to comply and a daily fine of $700.00 dollars has been imposed and shall accrue until the date the business returns to compliance. To date the assessed fine is $72,100.00 dollars for 103 days of non-compliance.
This communication serves as an official notice to wholesalers, retailers, and other business entities that all tobacco business licenses associated with Bears Den, Ohserase Manufacturing, and Mohawk Distribution have been suspended.
For a complete list of tribally-licensed businesses please visit the tribe’s website at www.srmt-nsn.gov.