Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 24/04) - The Gold Range hotel was slapped with a $1,500 fine, Friday, following a contentious seven-hour hearing in front of the Liquor Licensing Board.

"We hope that (bars) are getting the message," said Liz Danielsen, vice-chairperson of the board.

"(We're concerned) about people becoming a danger to themselves and others."

The Gold Range was charged with allowing drunkenness after a liquor inspector spotted an intoxicated patron in the 50th Street bar on Nov. 1, 2003.

The inspector testified Friday that the man was wavering from side to side and had to support himself by leaning on a table.

Gold Range lawyer Austin Marshall said the man had been kicked out earlier in the evening, but had probably snuck back in through the Gold Range's rear entrance in the alleyway between 50th and 51st streets.

Ultimately, the board accepted Marshall's explanation and didn't impose a closure.

Board members considered a stiffer fine following a volatile sentencing phase of the hearing, during which Gold Range owner Richard Yurkiw criticized liquor inspectors for even bringing the case in the first place.

"We didn't even serve the man," Yurkiw yelled.

"You've got to allow for some sort of play here."

After adjourning to discuss the sentence, Simpson said the board considered fining Yurkiw $10,000 for his "attitude."

"The board doesn't deserve to be treated like the way you treated us. We're just trying to do our job," said Simpson.

'Little rats'

On the witness stand, Yurkiw complained the charges were unfair because, despite his best efforts, patrons continually sneak into the bar through the back entrance.

"If they want to get in, they're going to get in. They're like little rats," he said.

Yurkiw said he has since placed a chain over the rear entrance to keep people from flooding in -- a clear violation of the city's fire code.

"If anyone from the fire department is here, I'm screwed," Yurkiw said.

The Gold Range owner went on to say that chain could be easily removed and that it's really only a visual deterrent.

Appeal possible

The case could ultimately end up in the Supreme Court, said Marshall, who asked to have the hearing postponed because of a problem with the official notice the board sent to the Gold Range advising owners of the hearing.

In the notice, the board didn't specify whether or not the Range's licence was up for suspension or cancellation, as required by the Liquor Act, said Marshall.

But any predetermination of sentence would contravene the board's mandate of impartiality, said Simpson.

After the hearing, Marshall and Yurkiw declined to comment.