Liquor limits proposed to curb crime

Edmonton city police are looking at reduced liquor store hours and limits on the sale of cheap alcohol in the city's high crime neighbourhoods as a way of reducing violent crime.

"There's certain types of liquor that are attractive to people with addictions," Deputy Chief Neil Dubord said. "It has a high alcohol percentage and its very reasonable in cost."

The ideas are still at a preliminary stage and require more research, Dubord said. Officials with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission are open to further discussions on the issue.

"These are definitely long-term strategies that we work with the community on," Dubord said. "This would look into 2012 for sure."

Dubord says alcohol limits have helped curb violence in other communities. Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel was skeptical that they would have any effect. 

"You're just going to drive people to buying it some other place," he said. "It's not like it's not going to be found. Instead of paying $5 for something they'll pay $7 for it."

Sandy Erickson, with Boyle Street Community Services, agrees with Mandel. She says limits could drive addicts to drink hand sanitizer and mouthwash and become even more violent.

"The harder you make it for them ... to satisfy their addictions, the more dangerous it gets, because they've trying to find ways to keep going," she said. "They need that alcohol to maintain their level of functioning."

Addicts will also turn to crime to get money to buy higher-priced alcohol, she said.