Yellowknife (Dec 08/04) - After months of consideration, the Liquor Licensing Board could announce limited Sunday openings for bars across the territory today.

Board members are in the process of examining a proposal that would allow bars to open six Sundays every year -- usually for special occasions like the Super Bowl or Grey Cup.

The issue could be put to a vote during a public meeting this morning, said chair Don Kindt.

Members of the hospitality industry suggest the limited openings could help bars struggling with the city's ban on smoking in public places, now more than a year old.

One entrepreneur, however, thinks the bureaucracy involved in Sunday openings would not be worth the expense.

"As things stand now, there is so much red tape," said Jim Sturge, owner of the Raven Pub.

"Plus Sunday is the only day we get off."

The board is considering ways to make the application process relatively quick for bars with good track records, said Kindt.

One provision would allow administrators to approve Sunday openings without the need to convene a full hearing in front of the board.

During today's meeting, members are also scheduled to discuss a possible extension to bar hours.

Kindt said the board needs to "rectify" the current rules, which require drinks to be off the table by 2 a.m. and bars to be empty by 2:15.

Sturge welcomed the idea of slightly extended hours, saying under the present system patrons are hustled out the doors like "cows and goats."