IQALUIT, Nunavut — Nunavut politicians are once again facing the emotional issue of whether to open the territory's first retail store to buy alcohol.
Residents of Iqaluit strongly favoured a beer and wine store in a vote last week.
But many remain deeply opposed to it, fearing further booze-fuelled social problems in a community that already has plenty of them.
Supporters say easier access to beer and wine would fight bootlegging and wean some drinkers off more powerful hard liquor.
Nunavut has Canada's most restrictive liquor laws, with many communities banning alcohol entirely.
The issue has been debated almost since the creation of the territory in 1999.
The decision on whether to allow a beer and wine store in Iqaluit now rests with the territorial cabinet.
