Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 02/04) - The NWT Liquor Board should spend more time concentrating on enforcing the Liquor Act and less time preaching social advocacy, says Finance Minister Roland.

Roland's comments come one day after liquor board chair John Simpson announced his resignation, citing frustration with what he called a lack of co-operation from the territorial government.

The minister's responsibilities include administration of the Liquor Act.

On Wednesday -- the last day of the current session at the legislative assembly -- Roland said he had no problem with the tougher judgements meted out against several liquor establishments in recent months, but wants to make sure the board doesn't overstep their mandate.

"There's a role to play in how we interpret the rules and how they're implemented," said Roland.

"Going beyond that and becoming a social advocate makes it very difficult to be seen as impartial."

He said he was surprised by comments made to the media by Simpson, who complained that the government would "like to see things go back to the way they used to be, where everyone got a slap on the wrist."

Recent rulings by the board include a three-month licence suspension against Frosty's Pub in Inuvik and a three-week suspension against the Right Spot bar.

"The letter I received from Mr. Simpson was fairly straightforward," said Roland.

"He was resigning based on personal reasons. He took the opportunity to thank me for creating an environment working with the board that seemed to be a positive one."

In response to questions raised by Great Slave MLA Bill Braden in the legislative assembly, Wednesday, Roland said he didn't have any "red flags" thrown his way during his meetings with the board.

On Thursday, Simpson declined to comment on what was said in his meetings with the minister, but insisted the board was never trying to act as social advocates.

"It's been misinterpreted that we wanted to take on social causes," said Simpson.

Board has a responsibility

"Alcohol abuse is by definition a social issue. The board has responsibility for that social issue within licensed establishments.

"You can deal with the issue with words by talking around the issue, or you can deal with the issue of public drunkenness by action," Simpson said. "The board was acting. All we wanted was a little support."

Roland said he plans to look at overhauling the Liquor Act as soon as possible, in order to clarify roles and responsibilities for those enforcing it, and how the liquor board "would look at itself."