Michell Hicks, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will decide this week whether to veto tribal council’s decision to hold an alcohol referendum.

In a previous interview, Hicks called the decision a difficult one that required prayer and soul-searching.

The referendum would allow members of the Eastern Band to vote whether they want alcohol to be sold reservation-wide. The vote would likely take place sometime in April. Hicks is required to make his decision by Wednesday, Nov. 23. Check www.smokymountainnews.com to find out the chief’s decision.

Tribal council can override Hicks’ veto with a two-thirds majority vote. Nine of the 12 tribal council members have voted in favor of the referendum.