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A Toronto nightclub faces a temporary suspension of its liquor license after the death of a 19-year-old last spring

A Toronto nightclub faces a temporary suspension of its liquor license after the death of a 19-year-old last spring

Ontario’s alcohol regulator is moving to suspend a Toronto nightclub’s liquor license for two months after a 19-year-old man was discovered dead inside the establishment last spring.

In a news release Wednesday, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) says it issued a notice of proposal to Mister Wolf, an events and nightlife space on Queen Street West, for a retail license suspension of liquor for 60 days.

The 19-year-old man was at the nightclub on May 25, 2024, and served three large bottles of alcohol while seated in a VIP area, the AGCO said in the news release.

The regulator said its investigation revealed that the customer showed visible signs of intoxication that night, including stumbling, losing balance and physically fighting with other customers.

At no point did security or bar staff intervene, the regulator said.

Around 1 a.m., the customer climbed a staircase that was supposed to be separate. He was found dead there the following afternoon, AGCO said in the statement.

A toxicology analysis found the man had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit for driving.

Based on the investigation, the regulator believes Mister Wolf staff knew or should have known that the customer was showing clear signs of intoxication and failed to intervene as required by law under the province’s Alcoholic Beverage Licensing and Control Act. .

Under the law, alcoholic beverage license holders must ensure that their customers are not served while intoxicated or allow intoxication on their premises. It is also the responsibility of all licensees to ensure that their staff are properly trained to recognize the signs of intoxication.

CBC Toronto has contacted Mister Wolf for comment.