BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) - A northern Minnesota resort owner has withdrawn his bid for a liquor license, citing pressure from a nearby American Indian reservation.

Chris Freudenberg, who owns Roger's Resort, recently asked the Beltrami County Board for a liquor store license. But leaders of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe opposed his application on the grounds that the store would be too close to their boundaries, where liquor is not sold.

Red Lake leaders argued a liquor store so close to the reservation would complicate the tribe's longtime struggle against alcoholism. They also asked for commissioners to approve a buffer zone around the reservation where any new liquor sales would be banned.

But reports say Freudenberg withdrew his application shortly before the county board was to vote on his request.

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