No more liquor rationing, says Fort Simpson council

Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Mar 22/04) - Fort Simpson village council says the time has come for liquor sales to flow freely by Sept. 1.

In a letter that was reviewed at last Monday night's council meeting, Floyd Roland, the minister responsible for the Liquor Act, stated Liidlii Kue First Nation Chief Keyna Norwegian and Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche want the GNWT reconsider its decision to end liquor rationing.

As a compromise, Roland proposed that Fort Simpson adopt the same restrictions as Norman Wells, which would increase daily limits on alcohol purchases and extend store hours.

He wrote he would wait for the municipality's response before deciding.

In a recorded vote, council was 6-1 in favour of proceeding with the lifting of all limits on liquor purchases.

Coun. Bob Hanna said a call for proposals for liquor store operations has already been advertised so it is too late to change positions now. "I don't really care what they do in Norman Wells," he said.

Coun. Betty Hardisty said an LKFN membership poll last year indicated most band members are in favour of lifting liquor rationing.