A new, Yukon-shaped, vodka-holding Gold Panner Decanter that's selling in Yukon liquor stores for $34.85 received harsh treatment from NDP MLA Steve Cardiff in the Yukon legislature last week.

'Since it is visitors who drive up our liquor stats ... let's let them buy even more by branding booze in a Yukon-shaped decanter,' Cardiff said.

'Think Yukon, drink Yukon .... It's all about marketing. The social costs (of drinking) are an unfortunate by-product.'

The debate about drinking and driving between Cardiff and Jim Kenyon, the minister responsible for the Yukon Liquor Corp., began when Cardiff asked Kenyon how much of the corporation's annual budget is aimed directly at efforts to combat drinking and driving.

Kenyon responded that the corporation is 'very pleased and proud to be able to support Mothers Against Drunk Driving and their efforts. We support the safe grad efforts of our high schools. We do a number of things in a number of different ways.'

While Cardiff commended the 'excellent posters on the wall (in liquor stores) about drinking and driving, especially ones aimed at young people,' he criticized the 'corkscrews they sell that are so convenient for opening a bottle of wine in your car or in the park.'

Kenyon defended the corporation's practices.

'I think most jurisdictions in North America would admit that prohibition was a dismal failure. Liquor ... used socially, responsibly and used properly, is a tradition in most parts of the world. Allowing people to try new or unusual brands allows us to bring in a wider range of products.

'People aren't drinking any more, but they're drinking and demanding a higher-quality, a higher-priced item and more variety, which is what we're trying to promote ....The social responsibility is part of it, but we are providing a product ... to those who choose to utilize alcohol.'

Cardiff was not satisfied with this response and asked, 'If the minister is serious about reducing problem drinking and drunk driving ... will he end the practice of selling convenience merchandise like corkscrews and bottle openers? And will he discontinue the think Yukon, drink Yukon decanter promotion?'

'If the member opposite seriously thinks that people are going to pay extra for a ceramic bottle that features the Yukon and take that off and get drunk, I suggest that he not consider a career in marketing and certainly not a career in the tourism industry,' Kenyon responded.

The Yukon-shaped decanters are available only in the territory.