The dry village of Emmonak is divided by Tuesday's vote to open a city-run liquor store. Alaska Dispatch News’ Lisa Demer reports that the unofficial count is 133 for and 119 against, but the dozens of questioned and absentee ballots could change the outcome.
Emmonak voted to go dry in 1992. Since then, bootlegging and homebrew have fueled problems with violence and suicide. Buying alcohol isn't easy on the pocketbook, either. A single bottle of liquor can cost around 200 dollars in the village.
Mayor Wilbur Hootch recognizes the problems associated with alcohol in Emmonak, but says a city-run liquor store would reduce costs for individuals buying on the black market and funnel money into city services.
On the same ballot, voters chose to increase the city sales tax from three percent to four percent to fund landfill services.
