Fort Simpson (Sep 12/03) - It seems Joe Handley, isn't pleasing anyone in Fort Simpson.

Handley, the minister responsible for the Liquor Act, stated last month that he will lift liquor restrictions next September. His decision was blasted by village Coun. Kirby Groat, who referred to it as a stalling tactic with a territorial election looming.

On the other hand, Hazel Isiah, sub-chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation (LKFN), said the LKFN only wanted liquor limits eased, not terminated.

"They (some band councillors) are afraid of what's going to happen, like what happened in the '70s," Isiah said. "A lot of these people weren't here when the pipeline went through and it was a nightmare... we don't want to see people coming off pipeline work and buying a case or two cases of whisky at a time."

In an interview with the Drum on Monday, Handley said he doesn't see the existing rationing system as advantageous.

"We have information that a lot of people go to other centres anyway. They go to Hay River and some may even go to Fort Nelson (B.C.) and purchase their liquor," he said. "My belief always is that we have to help people be responsible for themselves. We can't protect people all the time."

He said he chose to delay any repeal of rationing for one year to coincide with the awarding of a new liquor store contract in Fort Simpson. That way any bidders on the contract will have enough time to fully assess the new conditions, he explained.

The issue has been debated in the community for the past several months. It has also been the subject of a couple of surveys, both of which showed a majority of residents are in favour of lifting rationing, although others remain vehemently opposed.

"If there was no controversy about this (issue) than we could probably move ahead more quickly," Handley said.

The minister conceded that he cannot guarantee liquor rationing will be eliminated in one year.

"I couldn't give any assurances of what the new government will do," he said. "But I couldn't imagine this (issue) being something they want to upset unless their local MLA was opposed to it or something like that."

Existing limits

Adults in Fort Simpson are currently permitted daily to purchase up to:

- 12 cans or bottles of beer

- or one 750-millilitre bottle of spirits

- or two bottles of wine