Yellowknife — April 9, 2020
Minister of Finance, Caroline Wawzonek, today outlined the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT’s) position on the sale and availability of liquor during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
After careful consideration, the GNWT will not be closing liquor stores at this point in time. Although closing liquor stores seems like it would remove dangerous behaviours, research tells us that removing access to alcohol is likely to create hardship for persons already struggling with addictions and potentially increase the burden on the NWT health care system at a time when its capacity to manage potential COVID-19 cases must be maintained.
The GNWT’s current approach to managing the sale of alcohol is a coordinated and reasonable approach that will continue to allow access to liquor and cannabis in the NWT. To address potential concerns related to their operation, the Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission and operators of the NWT’s liquor stores have made adjustments to their operating hours and sales practices to ensure that customers and staff are safe and able to practice social distancing while in the stores.
The GNWT is also examining how best to implement specific changes to the Liquor Regulations that would allow for a variety of temporary adjustments to further reflect current realities and social distancing requirements.
The decision about how to manage alcohol in individual communities is one that is best made by individual communities. There are a variety of tools already available in the Liquor Act that provide communities with the ability to make decisions about how to manage alcohol within their boundaries, including Temporary Prohibition Orders.
Quote
“Our healthcare system, police and emergency first responders are working hard to address the realities created by COVID-19. At this time, it is our job to minimize potential additional stresses on these systems. Although on the surface it seems that closing liquor stores would remove dangerous behaviours, research tells us that removing access to alcohol during the emergency response to COVID-19 is likely to exacerbate the addiction-related health and social wellness challenges that we face throughout the territory every day.”
- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance
Quick Facts
· There are currently 15 NWT communities that have plebiscite-approved liquor restrictions or prohibition measures reflected in enforceable regulations.
· The GNWT is currently working with the communities of Aklavik, Tsiigehtchic, Tuktoyaktuk, and Tulita to enact temporary prohibition orders.
· Enforcement of Liquor Act-related offences will be identified in the Minister of Justice’s Ministerial Police Priorities.
Related Links
COVID-19 Information for Employers and Businesses
Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission
For all COVID-19 Media Requests, Contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
