The Tuktoyaktuk Temporary Prohibition Order is a regulatory measure enacted to manage alcohol consumption during the 2023 Beluga Jamboree, an annual event in Tuktoyaktuk, a community in the Northwest Territories. The Tuktoyaktuk Hamlet Council, recognizing the need for a controlled environment during the festivities, requested that the Minister of the Northwest Territories impose a prohibition on alcohol within a specific area around the Hamlet Office.

The Beluga Jamboree is celebrated every year in late April on the Arctic Coast. The festivities include snowmobile races, log sawing, harpoon throwing, drum dancing, igloo building and square dancing.

The order applies to all regions within a 25-kilometer radius of the Tuktoyaktuk Hamlet Office. It will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. on April 26, 2023, until 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2023. This designated time frame includes the entirety of the Beluga Jamboree, ensuring that alcohol-related activities are restricted throughout the event.

During this period, the order strictly prohibits the consumption, purchase, sale, or transportation of alcoholic beverages within the defined area. This comprehensive ban aims to create a safer and more organized environment for the event, minimizing potential disruptions and ensuring that the focus remains on the community and cultural activities.

The prohibition order is issued under subsection 53(5) of the Liquor Act, which grants the Minister the authority to impose such restrictions. This legal framework ensures that the order is enforceable and recognized as a legitimate measure to uphold public order and safety during the event.

Notably, the order is effective immediately upon issuance, even before its official publication in the Northwest Territories Gazette. This provision allows for prompt enforcement and ensures that the prohibition is in place for the entirety of the Jamboree, without any gaps.

The primary aim of the Tuktoyaktuk Temporary Prohibition Order is to manage the environment during the Beluga Jamboree, a significant cultural and community event. By restricting alcohol consumption and related activities, the order seeks to reduce potential conflicts, maintain public safety, and enhance the overall experience for participants and residents.

Source: Northwest Territories R-016-2023 April 25, 2024