Behchoko liquor prohibition off to slow start

Not everyone in Behchoko, N.W.T., knows about new liquor laws that took effect last month, leading many to call the local RCMP to ask what's going on.

Behchoko RCMP say some of the 298 calls they've received between mid-June and mid-July came from people inquiring about the Behchoko Liquor Prohibition Regulation, which came into effect on June 15.

"Within the first few weeks our detachment received a lot more calls, and so they were asking information: did it take into effect? Where is it posted? And how come no one heard about it?" Cpl. Maria Williams told CBC News.

"The majority of people that we have either picked up or we have spoke to about drinking claim they hadn't heard."

Residents in Behchoko, which includes the smaller communities of Rae and Edzo, voted for the new law during a plebiscite in April.

Under the regulation, no one can drink, possess, buy, sell or transport alcohol in the community. Those who are caught are charged and can be fined up to $2,000 and/or spend up to 30 days in jail.

Williams said public advisories about the prohibition were published in the community newsletter and newspaper. As well, a sign was posted at the RCMP detachment, she added.

While Williams said more could have been done to promote the legislation in the Tlicho aboriginal language, she noted that ignorance cannot be used as an excuse when it comes to enforcement.

"You could put signs everywhere and you would still have people saying, 'I didn't know,' " she said.

Deputy finance minister Margaret Melhorn said the territorial government will post signs along the highway near Behchoko, warning motorists of the prohibition being in effect.

But ultimately, it's up to the community to spread the word about new liquor laws, Melhorn said.

"The community is in the best position to know how to most effectively communicate with their residents," she said.

Four people have been charged to date under the regulation. Williams said they are due to appear in court in Behchoko on Aug. 6.