Bethel voters to decide on alcohol possession

BETHEL - Voters in Bethel will decide whether to loosen alcohol restrictions.

Residents will vote Tuesday on a petition to remove Bethel's status as a local-option city.

If voters approve, Bethel will no longer be a "damp" community. Damp means residents can import limited amounts of alcohol but it can't be sold locally. If the measure is approved, bars and liquor stores could open in the city after receiving the proper licenses from the state.

A group of residents gathered enough signatures to get the measure on the ballot.

The tribally run health provider and the Native regional nonprofit have passed resolutions opposing the ballot measure.