Unlovable Bar Toronto

Unlovable loses liquor license during NXNE

Unlovable, the popular basement bar near Dundas and Gladstone, is in the midst of a battle to avoid entrance into the deadpool. Cited by police for being over-capacity on June 15 while hosting bands playing NXNE, the establishment's liquor license has been suspended indefinitely. That seems like a rather harsh penalty for a violation that must happen with some regularity around the city, but according to the bright yellow notice currently posted on the front door, "past conduct" might have also played a role in the shutdown.

The initial reaction from the bar to the suspension was as gloomy as the Smiths song after which it's named. A short note posted to Facebook read that Unlovable was "no more" in the wake of the previous day's events. Although we've yet to make contact with co-owner Jamal Watson, a subsequent post indicates a change of heart took place over the weekend. In it, he promises to do his "best to get this thing figured out and [to] open as soon as possible."

Following the revocation of a liquor license, businesses have 15 days to request an appeal of the decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, a quasi-judicial panel that presides over provincial licensing matters. There's no guarantee that Unlovable will win its case, of course, but ownership has yet to throw in the proverbial towel — and that's a good thing. The bar is currently looking for photos from Thursday night to help build its case.

Update (3:00 p.m.)

Phédre and Beta Frontiers have both released new tracks to help raise funds for Unlovable's appeal. More on this here.


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