Brodie Thomas
Northern News Services
Published Monday, June 02, 2008

ULUKHAKTOK/HOLMAN - A plebiscite to limit the amount of alcohol individuals can bring into Ulukhaktok passed with a 64.7 per cent margin on May 21.

The new restrictions, which go into effect on June 16, will limit how much alcohol one can order or possess within two kilometres of the community.

Mayor Peter Malgokak said the restrictions were necessary mainly because of problems with underage drinking.

"We've had a problem with liquor for years, underage drinking and the bootlegging was a problem in the community."

The returning officer for the plebiscite, Angela Kuneyuna, agreed with Malgokak's comments.

Malgokak said after hearing how Paulatuk's approach to liquor control was working, Ulukhaktok decided to try a similar approach.

The liquor store in Inuvik will be made aware of the restrictions and will fill out orders accordingly.

"People can't stock up on alcohol before the date because they can only have in their possession any amount that is listed," said Kuneyuna.

Anyone caught with more liquor than is allowed under the bylaw would have their liquor confiscated and destroyed, she said.

Const. Greg Fast with the Ulukhaktok RCMP detachment said he is hopeful the new restrictions will have an effect.

"If we had grounds to obtain a search warrant under the liquor act, we would be able to go in and deal with (a bootlegger)," said Fast.

Grounds to obtain a search warrant would include either a confidential source reporting a bootlegger, or a resident willing to testify.

Fast said he has lived in the community for two years and problems with underage drinking seem to have worsened. He is hopeful the restrictions will help.