Fort Simpson (Nov 15/04) - More people are finding themselves guests of Her Majesty: behind bars in Fort Simpson's RCMP jail, likely due to recent loosening of liquor rationing restrictions, according to RCMP Cpl. Al Shepherd.

In September, 76 people -- compared to 47 last year -- were jailed for crimes or for being drunk in public, the first month that daily alcohol purchase limits almost doubled in the community.

The total number of alcohol and drug related offences for this September was 109, according to the RCMP's statistics. That compares to 91 a year ago.

"I am disturbed to see this large number of (jailed) people," said Coun. Tom Wilson when he saw the stats.

It's time to target those who are supplying booze to minors, said Keyna Norwegian, chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation.

"It's the youth that are being affected right now," she said.