John Curran
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 7, 2008

PAULATUK - Residents in Paulatuk have put bootleggers on notice - if you bring large quantities of alcohol into the community, you're going to face the law.

Roughly 68 per cent of voters cast ballots in favour of restricting the amount of booze anyone is allowed to transport to the community or possess within two kilometres of the hamlet office during any seven-day period.

"We're absolutely thrilled," said Debbie Gordon-Ruben, senior administrative officer.

The new limits include five pre-set combinations of alcohol which residents and visitors will be permitted to have: 60 ounces of spirits; 24 beer and 26 ounces of spirits; 12 beer and 40 ounces of spirits; 12 beer and two litres of wine, or; 40 ounces of spirits and two litres of wine.

"They're not unreasonable combinations," she said. "I think it will make a real difference to our community's well-being."

Breaking community liquor restrictions carries a standard penalty around the territories.

Convictions carry a penalty of a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 30 days or to both, according to the legislation.

This wasn't the first time Paulatuk leaders attempted to pass alcohol limits.

"This was our third time trying to get liquor controls," said councillor-elect Millie Thrasher. "It will be a good thing for the community."

With the plebiscite passing, the proposed rules will need to be written up as legislation.

"I couldn't say how long that will take," said Delilah St-Arneault, manager of licensing and enforcement at the Liquor Licensing Board in Hay River.

Once the limits do come into force, police officers will have the ability to inspect travellers coming into Paulatuk to ensure compliance.

"People were made aware of that before they voted," said Gordon-Ruben.

There are now 15 communities around the NWT which restrict alcohol possession, purchase or import in one way or another.