Kimmirut votes to end alcohol prohibition

People in Kimmirut voted Monday to end alcohol prohibition in their community.

In a plebiscite, 67 per cent of voters agreed to establish an alcohol education committee. That means people who want to order liquor will be able to go in front of the committee and make their case. If no one objects, they can ship liquor in.

It will also no longer be illegal for people to keep liquor in their homes for personal consumption.

Reactions to the vote are mixed, but most people agree prohibition did not keep alcohol out of Kimmirut. Bootleggers kept the community well supplied and people would also bring in their own liquor.

"It will greatly reduce the price of alcohol and they will no longer be breaking the law," said Pitsiulak Michael.

"Kimmirut has been dry for so long, I'm a bit worried, but alcohol has always been a problem," said Tommy Akavak.

In order for changes to be made to local liquor laws in a plebiscite, 60 per cent of voters need to vote in support of new rules.