Say public is calling for another public bar in Iqaluit
Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
IQALUIT (July 19/99) - A group of Iqaluit residents is trying to rally public support for a new bar they hope to establish in Nunavut's capital.
About 550 people have signed a petition last week supporting the establishment of the bar, said Ross Bennett, one of five people hoping to start what they have already called the Uvagut Bar.
According to advertisements placed around town, the bar is being proposed by Elisappee Sheutiapik, Eva Adams, Carmen Kootoo, Joseph Morneau and Bennett.
"People who signed the petition are constantly saying there is a need for another public bar here," said Bennett.
The group plans to submit an application for a cocktail lounge licence this week, said Bennett.
Blueprints for the expansion of a building in the West 40 area of town were to be completed over the weekend. If it happens, the 6,000 square foot Uvagut Bar would boast a dance floor, billiards, darts and seating for 130 people, said Bennett.
The bar will be operated out of an expanded version of a building Morneau operated as a private club. Police shut that bar down in April because Morneau, a teacher at Inuksuk high school, did not have a licence to sell liquor. Morneau maintained he did not need one because the club was not open to the general public.
Delilah St. Arneault, manager of licensing and enforcement for the Nunavut and NWT Liquor Licensing Board, said private or public -- a licence is required to sell alcohol.
Bennett said as a longtime worker in the bar industry in the North, he understands alcohol is a problem for a lot of people up here.
He said if Uvagut Bar happens, on Sundays it will be offered as a meeting place for social organization helping those with problems such as alcoholism.
Bennet said the Uvagut Bar would be wholly locally owned and the three Inuit partners would together own a 51 per cent share of it.
When it receives an application for a licence, the liquor licensing board will offer concerned members of the public a chance to have their say on the issue before making a decision.
