Wild Wing Belleville has liquor licence suspended for COVID-19 violations

The AGCO issues immediate suspension for multiple violations

Image via Wild Wing Belleville's Facebook page

Today, the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced that it has suspended the liquor licence of Wild Wing Belleville after citing multiple violations of public interest and safety. 

Similarly to the self-proclaimed “freedom fighting” of Calgary’s Without Papers, the Belleville, Ontario restaurant–one of many Wild Wing locations across the country–has publicly boasted about its decision to not require patrons to provide proof of vaccination nor wear face masks while in the establishment, which is in direct violation of the Reopening Ontario Act.

“The manager advised that his staff does not request vaccination confirmation or identification from patrons,” AGCO explained in today’s statement. “He further advised that he and the staff were aware of the requirements under the ROA given various inspectors’ visits in recent months, but he does not require staff to wear masks.”

The AGCO has also issued a Notice of Proposal to revoke restaurant’s liquor licence entirely for infractions of the Liquor Licence Act, including the requirement that the licence holder act and carry-on business in accordance with the law. 

Despite the diluted reporting of right wing propaganda outlets like Rebel News, the majority of Canada’s hospitality community continues to comply with COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of their patrons and staff. As of today, the Wild Wing restaurant chain has yet to issue a statement regarding the suspension.