Fort McPherson favours liquor limits

A plebiscite restricting the amount of alcohol allowed into the community of Fort McPherson has received support from a majority of voters.

Sixty-six per cent of282 people voted earlier this week in favour of limiting the weekly amount of liquor residents can bring into the community.

Under the new law, which still has to be approved by Finance Minister Floyd Roland to take effect, a resident would be allowedtwo cases of beer and two 40-ounce bottles of liquor, or one of three different combinations of beer, wine and liquor per week.

Mayor Rebecca Blake said she is confident thatthenew lawwould help the RCMP curb bootleggingin the community of 800.

"I think our highway checks will be our main source to enforce this thing," Blake said.

"Once it's in the community, people can hide it.It's going to be on the highway. We have to focus our efforts and to ensure people are abiding by the proposed regulations."

This is the third time the community of 800 has voted on liquor restrictions, but the first time the restrictions have been supported.

Eight communities in the Northwest Territories have alcohol restrictions, while six have liquor bans.