A Toronto restaurant could face a 60-day suspension of its liquor licence after a customer died following a fall down the stairs leading to the washrooms. The incident occurred after the customer was served 14 large beers over approximately five and a half hours.
The Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) has proposed suspending the liquor sales licence of a branch of St. Louis Bar & Grill, located at 11 St. Clair Avenue West in Toronto.
According to the AGCO’s investigation, the incident took place on April 11. The customer was served 14 beers, each measuring 23 ounces, over a period of approximately five and a half hours. The total amount was equivalent to more than 21 standard alcoholic drinks.
Restaurant Continued Serving Alcohol Despite Customer’s Intoxication
The AGCO investigation found that restaurant staff were aware of the customer’s intoxicated condition but allowed him to remain at the premises and continued serving him alcohol.
The customer later fell down the stairs leading to the restaurant’s washrooms and subsequently died.
According to the commission, the restaurant failed to meet its legal responsibilities concerning the sale and service of alcohol.
Ontario law prohibits licensed establishments from selling or serving alcohol to anyone who is intoxicated or appears to be intoxicated. It is also a violation to allow a customer to become intoxicated on licensed premises.
60-Day Liquor Licence Suspension Proposed
The AGCO has proposed suspending the restaurant’s liquor sales licence for 60 days as a result of the incident.
The restaurant’s management has been given 15 days to appeal the proposed decision. This provides the establishment with an opportunity to challenge the regulatory action through the appropriate legal process.
AGCO Takes Strong Position on Responsible Alcohol Service
AGCO Chief Executive Officer Dr. Karen Shinar expressed sadness over the incident, saying the loss of a human life is deeply distressing for the victim’s family, friends and the wider community.
She emphasized that every business holding a liquor licence has a responsibility to monitor customers’ alcohol consumption, recognize signs of intoxication and stop serving alcohol when necessary.
Shinar also made clear that the commission would take appropriate regulatory and enforcement action against establishments that fail to meet their legal obligations and put customers’ lives at risk.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of responsible alcohol service and strict compliance with customer safety regulations at restaurants and bars across Canada.
