Anchorage Daily News

The final tally is in, and Bethel voters have approved a proposition to loosen liquor laws after three decades of prohibition.

The proposition was passing 543-482 after the Oct. 6 election, and absentee and questioned ballots counted Monday night expanded on that margin. The final count was 615-523.

The vote, which was expected to be certified by the City Council Tuesday night, strikes down a 32-year ban on liquor sales in the hub city on the Kuskokwim River.

Supporters of the proposal have said they don't really want liquor stores or bars but grew fed up with state restrictions last winter when former Gov. Sarah Palin proposed reducing how much alcohol people in "damp" communities could buy each month. Opponents, including the school district and regional health corporation, said lifting the ban could flood surrounding villages with inexpensive liquor.

The vote means there won't be any monthly limit on the amount of alcohol residents can order.

Anyone who wants to sell alcohol in Bethel will have to get a liquor license through the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which allows cities to protest applications.

The board says it has already heard from people interested in getting liquor licenses. The city is eligible for two liquor stores, two bars and four restaurant liquor licenses, ABC Board Director Shirley Gifford said in a recent e-mail.

Find James Halpin online at adn.com/contact/jhalpin or call him at 257-4589.

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