The federation was denied permission to use the arena to host a territorial dart tournament from March 7 to 10.

The event is to select the best eight male and female players to represent Nunavut at the national championship in New Brunswick this summer.

Problems with the request stemmed from the federation's desire to have beer served during the tourney.

The request prompted an intense debate between council members.

It was defeated when council learned that, due to liquor permit regulations, the arena would have to be closed to other activities during the weekend event.

David Ittinuar was the most outspoken councillor against allowing the tourney.

Ittinuar said while the local dart league is one of the most responsible organizations in the hamlet, he was worried about the message council would send by allowing the arena to be used for an event which included alcohol.

"If we were to allow this function to provide alcohol at the arena, would that open the flood gates for the beer dances to make a comeback?" asked Ittinuar.

"I'm not concerned by the risk factor of the organization asking for this particular type of event, but more the matter of precedent being set by the council." The tourney would have netted the hamlet more than $2,000 in user fees, as well as other economic spinoffs to the community.

In making its decision, council acknowledged it was only a matter of time before it would have to rule on similar scenarios.

The complexity of the issue was addressed by Coun. Robert Janes, who indicated the ledger was fairly balanced when it comes to the pros and cons of the hamlet supporting such an event.

"Both the economic and recreational benefits are very real, as well as the opportunity for such an event to promote our community," said Janes.

"The possibility of promoting social problems through the use of alcohol is also very real.

"Either way, I agree it wouldn't be fair to the community to shutdown the arena for a weekend to let a group of people play darts."