A popular Etobicoke bar is facing the potential loss of its liquor license following allegations of a clandestine operation involving stolen alcohol. Southside Johnny’s Bar and Grill, a fixture on Lake Shore Blvd. W., is accused of repeatedly acquiring illicit liquor to serve customers and for personal consumption.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) launched an investigation, working in concert with local police, that uncovered a troubling pattern. Evidence suggests the bar’s licensee and a manager knowingly purchased stolen liquor, sourced directly from a nearby LCBO store.
Investigators discovered the stolen goods weren’t simply stored; they were actively integrated into the bar’s operations. Larger bottles of liquor were allegedly emptied and refilled into smaller containers, cleverly disguising the theft to fit the bar’s dispensing system.
The AGCO views these actions as a grave violation of trust and a direct threat to public safety. According to Karin Schnarr, the AGCO’s CEO and registrar, introducing stolen alcohol into the regulated market undermines the integrity of the entire system.
The LCBO echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to combat theft and maintain a secure alcohol marketplace. Their investigators provided crucial evidence that fueled the AGCO’s investigation and subsequent action.
The bar now has 15 days to appeal the proposed license revocation to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, an independent body separate from the AGCO. The outcome will determine the future of Southside Johnny’s and send a clear message about accountability within Ontario’s alcohol industry.
This case highlights the AGCO’s commitment to upholding regulatory standards and ensuring a responsible environment for both businesses and consumers. The agency insists on maintaining a safe and trustworthy alcohol market for everyone in Ontario.
