Fort Simpson (Mar 19/04) - Fort Simpson village council is holding the territorial government to its commitment to lift liquor restrictions by Sept. 1.

Floyd Roland, the minister responsible for the Liquor Act, has recently suggested loosening restrictions rather than removing them completely.

In a letter that was reviewed at Monday night's council meeting, Roland stated Liidlii Kue First Nation Chief Keyna Norwegian and Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche have written letters requesting that the GNWT reconsider its decision to end liquor rationing.

As a compromise, Roland proposed that Fort Simpson adopt the same restrictions as Norman Wells, which would increase daily limits on alcohol purchases and extend liquor store hours.

He wrote he would wait for the municipality's response before deciding.

In a recorded vote, council was 6-1 in favour of proceeding with the lifting of all limits on liquor purchases. Only deputy mayor Dennis Nelner was opposed. Coun. Norm Prevost and Owen Rowe were absent.

Coun. Bob Hanna said a call for proposals for liquor store operations has already been advertised so it is too late to change positions now.

"I don't really care what they do in Norman Wells," he said.

Coun. Nelner contended outlying communities should be considered as they will be affected by Fort Simpson's actions.

Mayor Raymond Michaud replied, by the same logic, Hay River ought to have liquor restrictions because people from Fort Simpson and elsewhere go there to buy large quantities of alcohol.

"I think the outlying communities are mature enough to deal with their own issues," he said.

Nelner cited the RCMP's report for the month of February. It stated 71 of 119 complaints police responded to involved drugs or alcohol.

"Creating dissension with other local authorities isn't going to get anybody anywhere," he said. Nelner is also an LKFN councillor.

Coun. Betty Hardisty countered that an LKFN membership poll last year indicated most band members are in favour of lifting liquor rationing.