Booze in Behchoko?
November plebiscite on alcohol restrictions possible
Kassina Ryder
Northern News Services
Monday, October 3, 2016
BEHCHOKO/RAE-EDZO
Behchoko's community government has applied to hold a plebiscite on whether the community's liquor restrictions should be lifted, said Chief Clifford Daniels.
While Behchoko has had restrictions off and on since the 1970s, the most recent rules have been in place since 2009.
But Daniels said the restrictions are ineffective and residents are concerned about bootlegging, especially when it comes to the community's youth.
"I guess it becomes kind of an underground black market economy. It's really bad for the younger generations too, that get involved in the trade of bootlegging and contraband," he said. "I think that's one of the other bad things about having it closed, lots of people complain about the younger people having access to alcohol."
Behchoko's proximity to Highway 3 makes it especially vulnerable to bootlegging, Daniels added.
"The alcohol is getting in one way or the other, it's being transported in," he said. "We're right by the highway."
If the vote is yes, Daniels said the community can then begin preparations. The community has already begun discussing the possibility of a support centre for people returning to the community after alcohol treatment.
"It's those kids of things we'll discuss depending on which way the plebiscite goes," he said.
If residents decide to keep the restrictions, the community government will then look at new ways to help prevent illegal alcohol from entering Behchoko.
Daniels said ideas include better monitoring and having conversations with liquor retailers about possibly limiting bulk alcohol orders.
Larry Baran, senior administrative officer, said the plebiscite results will directly impact the community's five-year strategic plan.
Planning sessions are scheduled to take place in November, so the community is requesting to the plebiscite be held before the end of that month.
"We recognize the result of that plebiscite would have an impact on the five year planning that the council wants to complete," Baran said.
The request for the plebiscite has been sent to territorial Justice Minister Louis Sebert.
Baran said voting will be available to all Behchoko citizens.
"If you are an eligible voter in the Community Government of Behchoko for six months preceding the date that they select for the plebiscite, whether you're Tlicho or not, you will be able to vote," he said.
Daniels said a date for voting will be set as soon as the community government receives approval from the minister.
