Alcohol addiction is a major problem that afflicts northern Labrador communities.
The Labrador Inuit Association has argued that having local control over alcohol sales and consumption would help them deal with the alcohol addictions. Last week the Newfoundland government answered the association's demands, announcing it would make amendments to the provincial Liquor Control Act. The amendments will give community councils in northern Labrador direct power to restrict the number of hours in which alcohol is sold and to limit how much alcohol is sold to individuals. Under the changes, the liquor licencing board won't issue a licence to sell liquor unless it's first approved by the community council. The councils can also request that a current liquor licence be cancelled.