Is it illegal to transport booze into Alaska?

Not legal advice: Although there is no state law that makes it illegal to transport alcohol into the state of Alaska, legislators have passed laws that allow individual communities to regulate the sale and manufacture of alcohol in their communities. The representatives in Alaska realize that the rural nature and isolation of Alaskan communities where law enforcement is lacking makes it hard to control alcohol.

Voters in any community may choose from one of four to five options to control availability and sale of alcohol, depending on whether the community is a municipality or a village. It is advised that before one transports alcohol into any Alaska community that the local laws regarding the sale and possession of alcohol be carefully reviewed.

Alcohol is thought to contribute to Alaska’s high rate of domestic violence. Out of the 50 states, Alaska has the highest rate of men murdering women per capita. The ratio of women killed to men in Alaska is four to one. Retired Anchorage magistrate Ronald M. Wielkopolski recently stated that he firmly believes that the role of alcohol and/or substance abuse increases the risk for violence. He is urging Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act that will protect women and children from violence.