A popular Etobicoke establishment is fighting to save its business after regulators moved to revoke its liquor license over serious allegations tied to stolen alcohol.
Bar Responds to Allegations of Stolen Goods
Southside Johnny's Bar and Grill, located at 3653 Lakeshore Blvd. W. in Etobicoke, is publicly addressing claims from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The regulatory body has initiated proceedings to cancel the bar's liquor license following allegations that the business was involved in selling alcohol that had been stolen from the LCBO.
The bar's management has chosen to speak out against the allegations, defending their operations and reputation in the community. The case highlights the strict regulatory environment governing Ontario's beverage alcohol sales and the severe consequences establishments face for compliance failures.
The Regulatory Process and Potential Consequences
The AGCO's action is not a final decision but the start of a regulatory process. The commission has issued a Notice of Proposal to revoke the liquor license for Southside Johnny's. This allows the establishment the right to appeal the decision through the Licence Appeal Tribunal, a step the bar's ownership appears to be prepared to take.
Losing a liquor license is often a death sentence for bars and restaurants in Ontario, where alcohol sales constitute a major portion of revenue. For Southside Johnny's, a fixture on Lakeshore Blvd. W., the stakes are exceptionally high. The allegations specifically cite "selling alcohol that had been stolen from the LCBO," a serious infraction under the Liquor Licence and Control Act.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The news has sent ripples through the local Etobicoke community, where the bar has been a gathering spot. The establishment now faces a dual challenge: navigating the complex AGCO appeal process while managing public perception and customer confidence.
No specific timeline for the appeal hearing has been made public, but such procedures typically unfold over several weeks or months. During this period, the bar is permitted to continue operating unless the AGCO issues an immediate interim suspension, which has not been reported.
The case serves as a stark reminder to all licensed venues in Ontario of the rigorous oversight exercised by the AGCO and the paramount importance of maintaining transparent and legal supply chains for all beverage alcohol.
