Ross River, Yukon, residents want action on bootlegging

People in Ross River, Yukon, say bootlegging is a big problem, and they want it to stop.

The community has been without a bar for the last year. It has never had a government liquor store. The nearest place to buy alcohol is in the Town of Faro, Yukon, about an hour's drive away.

Florence Etzel, a member of the Ross River Dena, said the problem is obvious.

"We have to step up to the plate and make our community a good, healthy place to live in and raise our children and grandchildren in. So that's why I'm speaking out and I'm not afraid," she said.

Former chief of the community, Clifford McLeod, said it's hard to watch young people being destroyed by booze.

"It just ruins their lives. They dont even have a fighting chance to go out and do what they want to do. And bootleggers don't care who they sell the booze to. They really don't," he said.

McLeod said an elder was recently beaten by some drunk people. He also points to the death of a 16-year-old last summer as evidence booze is fatal.

Another resident, Jay Sather, said he has seen alcohol abuse affect kids as young as nine or ten.

"They're really young, and they're staggering around the roads. They [bootleggers] don't care who they sell the booze to, whoever's got money, they sell it to them."

McLeod said he expects the chief and council to tackle the issue. He said he also wants to hear from the MLA for Ross River, Stacey Hassard.

McLeod said anyone who doubts that alcohol is a problem in the community need only check the court dockets.

The RCMP in Ross River say they want to hear from anyone with information about bootlegging.