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The launch of the new territorial liquor act could serve up some major changes at Yellowknife venues, depending on the mood of city councillors and local operators.

The act, which came into effect last Friday, gives each community the power to make its own bylaws regarding hours of operation during which alcohol can be served ñ including Sundays and holidays.

Le Frolic bartender Chantal Freynet fills up a glass of beer ñ something she could soon be doing on Sundays if city council makes a move to change operating hours for bars and restaurants serving alcohol. - Lauren McKeon/NNSL photo

But Yellowknifers shouldn't get ready to raise their Sunday drinking glasses just yet.

"The new liquor act has allowed some greater local discussion. Now it's a matter of looking at what that local discussion is and seeing what is recommended for here," said Mayor Gord Van Tighem.

"Normally the way that it starts is requests from the people that are directly impacted."

As of yet, there have been no requests from the operators of Yellowknife bars and restaurants for the implementation of Sunday operating hours, he added.

One of those operators is Le Frolic -- but that doesn't mean it won't support a week-long bar week.

"It would be great for Yellowknife to have that opportunity," said manager Brad Morrissey.

"I think it's something we would take advantage of it it's allowed, but I'm not really sure if we'd get the ball rolling on this," he added.

There is more on the table with the new legislation than drinking on Sundays, however.

Restaurant patrons will be able to bring their own wine ñ and to bring home any leftover wine they buy from a restaurant, provided it's corked.

The new act also strengthens the penalties for bootlegging, bringing the fine to $25,000 from $5,000 for individuals and to $50,000 from $10,000 for corporations.

"It's a whole new playground," pointed out Van Tighem. "There's ... items in the area of greater restriction that can also be looked at."

Van Tighem added previous council discussions have discussed limiting the "intensity of liquor establishment locations" and looking at areas in the city where none would be allowed, as well as the impact of areas where they are allowed.

"With the new liquor act there's probably a larger spectrum of things that council could do so (should) they choose."