The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released a report providing recommendations to improve NWT liquor legislation.
The department of Finance began a comprehensive multi-year review of the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) liquor legislation in 2020. The aim of the review was to identify how liquor laws can be modernized, streamlined and responsive to the needs of NWT residents. The review also aimed to improve laws related to the possession, consumption, sale and purchase, manufacture, importation, and distribution of liquor in the NWT.
After reviewing legislation, considering best practices, and actively engaging with stakeholders, the GNWT has developed 66 recommendations to modernize liquor laws in the Northwest Territories. These recommendations aim to provide NWT residents with safe access to liquor for moderate consumption by:
· creating safe conditions;
· supporting informed decision-making;
· modernizing liquor enforcement; and
· expanding community control.
The recommendations will guide the development of a legislative proposal to begin the process of updating liquor legislation in the NWT.
