The license to sell alcohol at a Toronto nightclub where a fatal shooting took place has been suspended.
The Liquor and Gaming Commission of Ontario reviewed video surveillance footage of the July 17 incident and said the EFS Social Club at 647 King St. W. has breached the license requirement.
The nightclub breached a condition requiring “every entrance to the premises during business hours to be manned by at least one security guard equipped with a metal detector and the device to be used on every person entering the premises without exception” under the Alcohol Act for the license and control (ZLKN), says a message from the commission.
As a result, AGCO Registrar Tom Mungham issued a suspension effective immediately. The club will not be legally permitted to sell or serve alcohol for the duration of the suspension.
The commission is also seeking to revoke the license of EFS Social Club entirely.
“AGCO takes a compliance-focused approach to regulation, and our goal is to work proactively with licensees to meet their regulatory obligations,” Mungham said in the ACGO statement.
“But in cases involving a significant breach affecting the public interest, AGCO will take strong regulatory action to protect the public.”
AGCO reviewed the video surveillance and “has reason to believe” that the metal detector was not used on every person entering the facility, the release said.
Toronto police said officers responded to the nightclub in the early morning hours of July 17, where they found two gunshot victims inside. A 24-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man were rushed to the hospital with injuries, but the man died at the hospital. The victim has been identified as Pardeep Brar, 26, of Brampton.
Licensees who do not comply with the requirements of the LLCA are subject to regulatory action, including a monetary penalty, license suspension or revocation.
There are risk factors that are considered when granting a liquor license, such as metal detectors. Most establishments serving alcohol do not require risk factors as a licensing requirement.
“Risk levels are intended for premises and licensees where there is a greater risk to public safety, public interest or non-compliance with the law,” AGCO’s website says.
Add Comment