Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 18/02) - If liquor rationing is to end in Fort Simpson, it will take an OK from Finance Minister Joe Handley, who is responsible for territorial liquor laws.

Margaret Melhorn, deputy minister of finance, said a plebiscite isn't necessary because Fort Simpson already has a liquor store.

"There are (liquor) restrictions, and those restrictions are set through regulation by the (finance) minister," said Melhorn.

Village council passed a resolution to end liquor rationing at its Nov. 4 meeting. The resolution is supposed to take effect as of Dec. 1.

Melhorn said Handley will like discuss the issue with MLA Jim Antoine and the Liidlii Kue First Nation. He may also inquire as to the extent of the village's own consultations, she noted.

Liidlii Kue Chief Rita Cli and Fort Simpson Metis Nation president Randy Sibbeston said their respective council and board had not yet been apprised of the village council resolution three days after the meeting.

Cli said she is in favour of having liquor rationing scrapped. The daily limitation on alcohol only forces those who are desperate to turn to potentially dangerous products, Cli contended. She said one elder once told her that some people were melting vinyl records and drinking the liquid to get their "fix."

"They're going to get it one way or another," she said.