Premier responds to LIA proposal for local control over alcohol

Premier Beaton Tulk said today that the province is giving a Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) proposal for local control over alcohol very serious consideration.

"Government informed the LIA on October 30 that their proposal has been referred to the Department of Justice and to the Newfoundland Liquor Corporation for review," said the premier, noting implementation of the proposal would require amendments to the Liquor Control Act.

"The proposal was drafted with the needs of the community of Nain in mind," said the premier. "However, as drafted, they would apply to the province as a whole. This is why government needs to review them carefully before considering introducing them in the House of Assembly.

"Government recognizes the desire of the people in Nain to find solutions to the problems confronting them," said Premier Tulk, pointing out that over the summer, officials from the Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat, the Newfoundland Liquor Corporation, and the Nain Town Council were exploring how the existing legislation could be used to address these problems. Rather than pursuing this approach, the town council chose to work with the Ulapitsaijet Steering Committee in developing the proposed amendments.

"While government�s review is continuing, provincial officials are prepared to work with the people of Nain to explore how, in the interim, the existing legislation can be used to address their concerns," said the premier.

Media contact: Paula Dyke, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2000 11 29 2:35 p.m.