Toronto bar could have liquor licence revoked after stolen alcohol operation exposed

A Toronto bar and grill could soon have its liquor license revoked after the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) alleges it made the sobering discovery of stolen alcohol stocking its shelves.

Around the holiday season, you may run the risk of receiving a regifted bottle of alcohol, but, according to the AGCO, one Etobicoke bar has allegedly been stocked with stolen liquor instead.

According to a Dec. 9 news release, the AGCO has officially issued a Notice of Proposal (NOP) to revoke the liquor license at Southside Johnny's, a Lake Shore West bar and grill known for its live music, after an investigation seemingly proved that the bar has been serving alcohol stolen from a nearby LCBO location.

According to AGCO, the investigation concluded that both the licensee and a manager were involved in the operation, stealing alcohol both for sale at the bar and their own personal use.

"Purchasing stolen liquor is a serious breach of integrity that not only violates the law but compromises public safety and introduces illegal goods into Ontario's regulated alcohol market," says Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO at AGCO.

While this is far from the first time people have been caught using the five-finger discount — even on a large scale — at the LCBO, it's far more rare to find stolen liquor stocking the bar at a licensed restaurant. 

After being served the NOP, Southside Johnny's will have 15 days to appeal the action, or the license will be revoked. There is no word yet on whether the involved parties will face criminal charges for the theft.

Southside Johnny's is located at 3653 Lake Shore Blvd. W.