Islanders vs. The Docks: Nightclub to go Dry

The Docks nightclub issued a press release on their website today informing patrons that after a lengthy delay the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has decided to revoke their liquor license.

Citing pressure from Toronto Islands residents and the actions of City Councillors McConnell and Fletcher specifically, nightclub lawyer Nicholas Macos of Black Sutherland LLP appealed to patrons to voice their concerns to city officials. He also expressed plans for an appeal to the decision:

"The Docks will be appealing and seeking a stay of the decision of the AGCO to permit it to stay open until the appeal. It will remain open until the Courts make a decision on the appeal. If unsuccessful then over 350 employees will be out of work. We believe that the actions of the City and the AGCO will detrimentally impact the waterfront."

The recent AGCO decision is the newest development in an ongoing saga that comes after years of noise complaints from Ward's Island residents. A little more than just 1000m (of mostly open water) separates the two factions. The Docks entertainment complex has been in operation for 11 years, while the approximately 700 island residents (on Ward's and nearby Algonquin Islands) have been there for much longer.

(image adapted from Google maps)