The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has officially issued an Order of Interim Suspension of the liquor license of Toronto’s Cage KTV and Bar following an incident earlier this month that the AGCO says compromised public interest and safety. 

After receiving a complaint that the Toronto bar had advertised an event providing free liquor, AGCO Compliance Officials visited Cage KTV to perform a routine inspection. Upon entry, the officials observed drunkenness, which is not permitted under the Liquor Licence Act. During the inspection, patrons of the bar became aggressive toward the Officials and reportedly began a physical altercation, with bar staff taking no steps to regain control.

If that wasn’t bad enough, when the AGCO went on to contact the establishment’s license holder, Compliance Officials were told that the license holder had relinquished operational control and no longer had access to Cage KTV. 

“All those who hold a liquor licence in Ontario are required to operate with honesty and integrity. The law is very clear: a licence holder must maintain control of their business, prohibit drunkenness, and cooperate with AGCO Compliance Officials,” says AGCO Registrar and CEO Tom Mungham. “Our COs are public servants who work to protect the public by ensuring licensed establishments are operating responsibly. Aggressions towards them will not be tolerated.”

In addition to the interim suspension, Mungham has also issued a Notice of Proposal to revoke the liquor licence entirely on the grounds that the licence holder will likely not carry on business in accordance with the law.