RCMP say holiday booze ban in Nunavut hamlet not successful

Police in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, said the holiday liquor ban had limited success.

People there have to get a permit to order liquor from outside the community. But a ban on all orders was put in place from Dec. 21 until Jan. 3 to try to ensure a more peaceful holiday season.

Cpl. Greg Deagle, with the RCMP in Rankin, said the ban didn't slow down the number of calls over the holidays.

"The alcohol prohibition had a limited effect. Unfortunately the calls and the volume of calls and the type of calls really did not change any," said Deagle.

He said Christmas Day and New Year's Eve were fairly quiet, but calls were normal on other days during the season.

Deagle said that when some residents found out about the liquor ban, they ordered large quantity of liquor in advance.

He said if the ban was put in place earlier, and for a longer time, it might more of an impact.