New LCBO delivery service reaches Peawanuck

Sam Hunter, a citizen of Peawanuck has received his first delivery of alcohol via the LCBO’s new online deliver service.

Unlike many First Nation communities in Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Peawanuck is not a dry community.

“I saw it on the news and it seemed very convenient,” Hunter said. “There used to be people who supplied booze here but they would charge $100 for a 26 oz bottle. Also, freight from Moosonee for a case of beer is $64.”

Hunter said his shipping charge was only $13 for two 60 oz bottles. A much cheaper alternative.

And it only took 12 days to receive his order.

Hunter doesn't think this new service from the LCBO will cause problems in Peawanuck because it has always been a wet community. “It will be more affordable so it might help solve some money problems,” he said. “A mickey (12 oz bottle) sells for $130, when they cost $13 down south.”

Dry communities usually get searched at the airport, so there’s not really a chance to order booze into a dry community as it won’t be allowed in.

Hunter thinks everything is going to be the same, just people will have a cheaper alternative. “The only problem I see here might be kids ordering online, because it is really easy to get credit cards from the northern store. So it’s really easy to fake an age online.”

Hunter plans to keep using the service. “I like to have a nice cold one every now and then,” he said.