|
|
|
|
Bush Liquor
|
|
Before you get all crazy on me, it's not what you think. It's my job.
I live in Alaska, that big state just northwest of Canada that everyone always forgets about. There are about three good sized cities and hundreds of small villages (AKA the "bush"). Most of these villages are dry, meaning alcohol is strictly prohibited. However a few of the more populated, progressive villages allow some alcohol. They are referred to as "damp" communities. In these damp communities, the village elders or other forms of local government determine the extent of alcohol regulation. I'll use Barrow as an example. The City of Barrow issues permits to persons who are eligible to posses alcohol. The requirements of a permit are as follows:
1. Must be at least 21 years of age (duh)
2. Must not have a delinquent account with the City of Barrow
3. Within 2 years of the date of application, must not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty or no contest to a violation or any provision of “bootlegging” or any crimes involving weapons, sexual assault, domestic violence, violation of a protective order, driving while intoxicated, or refusing to submit to a chemical test
4. Must be a person whose domicile is either the City of Barrow or a place where the importation of alcohol has not been prohibited
There are also limits on how much alcohol one can posses. Limits are set per person, per month. Each month, an individual may posses not more than:
11 gallons or 5 cases of malt beverages/beer
4.5 liters or 6 bottles of distilled spirits
20 liters, 4 boxes OR 26 bottles of wine
In addition, alcohol must be imported as local sale of alcohol is prohibited. This is where I come in. The liquor store I work in is the main supplier to most of these villages. I take orders from the bush communities, package them, and put them on the plane.
I do believe this makes me the single most loved person in greater Alaska!
(And I really wanted to post a blog titled "Bush Liquor")
|
|
|
|
|
