Anchorage Daily News

KOTZEBUE -- An effort to allow city-run liquor sales in Kotzebue has passed 412-365, according to a final but unofficial count Friday. Kotzebue currently bans the sale -- but not possession -- of alcohol. Voters were asked Tuesday whether that should change and the city should be allowed to own and operate a bar, liquor store or alcohol-serving restaurant.

By Wednesday, the move to loosen liquor rules in the Northwest hub city was passing by 36 votes, the city reported, while about 90 questioned and absentee votes remained to be counted.

Of those ballots, 35 were cast by eligible voters. The lead only expanded during the final count, according to a statement by the city clerk Friday.

The Kotzebue vote also calls for the creation of a city-run alcohol distribution center -- where people would pick up liquor they ordered from out of town -- and a control board to oversee sales.

The city council plans to meet Monday to certify the election.

In Bethel, residents voted to remove the local ban on liquor sales 543-382 Tuesday. Another 163 votes remain to be counted in that election.

The city expects to release final numbers Monday night, said Acting City Clerk Cathy Cope.

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