IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY - The Ikaluktutiak Elks Lodge 593 in Cambridge Bay has applied for a liquor licence.

Mayor Syd Glawson said the facility, the only one where drinks are served in the community, has had a special occasion licence for some time, a licence it must renew weekly.

He added the Elks Lodge operates on that basis two or three nights a week.

"I've heard nobody complaining about it here in town," he said.

"With a controlled environment such as the Elks has now, I don't think it's really a bad thing because people that go there are ... responsible drinkers. They go there to play darts and have enjoyment."

No one from the public complained about it to hamlet council, he added.

"If it continues the way it has continued for the last two years, there shouldn't be any major problems," said Glawson.

The RCMP hasn't had too many problems with the Elks Club, stated Cambridge Bay Staff Sgt. Charlie Gauthier via e-mail.

"I remember only one occurrence where we have been called there in the past year to assist, therefore I cannot say that they are a problem for us.

"Generally the staff at the club look after things really well and the club does donate a lot back to the community," he wrote.

"In some ways it is better to see people drink in a 'controlled' environment rather than go to the local bootlegger."

Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board executive secretary Janine Budgell stated via e-mail she would not speculate when the facility would get the licence as it depends on the application and the

outcome of the public hearing.

People could submit comments no later than May 20.

The lodge's exalted ruler, Keith Lear Jr., could not be reached for comment.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.