Kimmirut applies for holiday booze ban

Kimmirut'salcohol education committee is asking for a complete ban on booze in the community between Dec. 20 and Jan. 4.

It's not uncommon in Nunavut for a number of communities to go dry during the holidaysbecause of problems caused by excessive drinking.Under the Nunavut Liquor Act, communities can apply for dry periods.

It's been about a year-and-a-half sinceKimmirutresidents voted to allow alcohol into the hamlet subject to restrictions.

"It could be better for everyone," saidKololaPitsiulak, the outgoing vice-chair of the committee, about the holiday ban."Christmas can be celebrated without liquor."

The RCMP, the hamlet and the Departmentof Health and Social Services support the request.

"Hopefully then we'll have more of a family time and people will enjoy Christmas games without the presence of alcohol," saidMike Richards, the hamlet's senior administrative officer.

Other hamlets are also considering banning alcohol for the holidays. First, they need final approval from the Liquor Licensing Board.