AKLAVIK - The hamlet of Aklavik is working to enforce alcohol restrictions in the community as early as this fall.

A nine-member committee responsible for deciding on the restrictions met June 24 and drew up a plebiscite that will be forwarded to the minister of finance before it goes to a public vote.

The hamlet council, urged by elders and crime prevention groups, decided earlier this month to consider a plebiscite.

Chris Main, a member of the crime prevention committee, would not say whether members had recommended a complete ban of alcohol, but he said the restrictions, if approved, would likely be in effect within a 25 km radius of Aklavik.

"Obviously, most of the alcohol is brought in, either through Ski-Doo in the winter or boat in the summer, so that way it just gives a perimeter to work from to try to keep the bootlegging and the massive amounts of alcohol away from the community. I mean, that's the hope," he said.

If residents support the alcohol restrictions, they will likely come into effect in late fall or early next year.

Earlier this month, RCMP caught an Aklavik elder trying to transport large amounts of alcohol by boat to the hamlet from Inuvik. The 67-year-old man, who was charged with unlawfully keeping liquor for sale, is set to appear in court July 21.