Alcohol Control by Referendum in Northern Native Communities: The Alaska Local Option Law

Abstract

When Alaska became a state in 1959, state laws took control of alcohol regulation from the federal government and Native communities. In 1981, however, the state legislature changed the alcohol laws to give residents broad powers, via a local option referendum, to regulate how alcohol comes into their communities. By mid-1999, 112 small communities had held nearly 200 alcohol control elections under the state law. Of these elections, 69% added new restrictions on alcohol, while 13% removed restrictions previously imposed. The remaining 18% did not receive the majority vote needed to change the existing status. Most communities passing local option restrictions chose to ban sale and importation of alcohol. Although most of these elections occurred during the first eight years after the law was passed, elections continue to occur as the law evolves and as communities debate the merits of alcohol control. Growing evidence suggests that the local option law may reduce adverse effects of alcohol abuse in Alaska Native communities. However, the law's most important contribution may be to restore a limited form of self-government to these communities.