Sober season
Kimmirut hamlet council votes to prohibit alcohol over holidays
Myles Dolphin
Northern News Services
Published Monday, December 9, 2013
KIMMIRUT/LAKE HARBOUR
Kimmirut hamlet council has voted unanimously to request a two-week alcohol prohibition over the Christmas holidays.
The request was recently made to Minister Paul Okalik, who is responsible for the Liquor Licensing Board, and would come into effect from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4.
"We haven't heard any confirmation from the minister, but the request has been made," said senior administrative officer Mike Richards.
"Council had some concerns because they didn't want to see any incidents over the Christmas period."
The decision was supported by the Kimmirut Alcohol Education Committee (AEC), the administrative body that reviews applications from residents who wish to order alcohol.
"A temporary ban like this is always better for the community," said Kolola Pitsiulak, vice-chairperson of the committee.
Until February, 2012, Kimmirut was one of several Nunavut communities where alcohol was prohibited.
A plebiscite was held and 67 per cent of voters agreed to establish the AEC and allow alcohol back into the community.
As a result, residents are allowed to order a certain amount of alcohol every month and keep it for personal use in their homes.
Residents who wish to order need to apply through the AEC, which reviews applications at its bi-weekly meetings.
Despite the ability to order alcohol, bootlegging is still present in the community, but Pitsiulak said it has been slowed down recently.
Following recommendations made by the Kimmirut RCMP, the AEC limited the amount of options for residents who wanted to order alcohol.
"People have two options they can choose from," Pitsiulak said.
"They can either order one 60-ounce bottle of hard liquor, a four-litre bottle of wine, three cases of beer and one 750 millilitre of liqueur. Or they can order one four-litre bottle of wine, four cases of beer, and one 40-ounce bottle of hard liquor."
