Maria Canton
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Jun 26/00) - The Booze Can, plagued by frequent police raids, has shut its doors after six years of operating as a private social club.

Last Saturday marked the first day of a public sale that will leave the West 40 drinking establishment empty of all assets.

Joseph Morneau, landlord, manager and member, was defeated in the Nunavut Court of Justice on June 16, landing him a $3,000 fine, after being found guilty of violating the Nunavut liquor act. The violation is the first of many that began accumulating in April 1999, when the club was first raided by police.

The 56-year-old highschool teacher says he now has to decide what his next move within the court system will be.

"I have to look at this appeal business, there is no point in pursuing this any further as far as the club memberships are concerned, I have to decide whether it's worth it to me or if it's purely vanity," he said.

Evidence presented during Morneau's five-day trial indicated that the club, which has also been called the Explorer's Club and more recently the Friends of Arctica Social Club, never applied for a liquor licence.

The absence of a licence landed Morneau in court and forced the club to close shop.

Morneau's trouble with the law has raised questions about the future of his teaching position at Inuksuk High School.

Although not found guilty of a criminal offence, the director of the Baffin District Education Council says disciplinary talks are under way.

"Certainly concerns from people have surfaced over time and we have our own concerns," said Cathy McGregor.

"We are only in the early stages of the (disciplinary) process, but an investigation will be conducted to determine what action will be taken."

McGregor says Morneau could either be suspended for 30 days or face dismissal.That decision likely won't be made for weeks.

Morneau is scheduled to appear in court again on July 4 to set trial dates for two of the other charges filed against him.