Nightlife returns to Wasaga Beach strip

Wasaga Beach is packed with tourists, and until today there wasn’t a bar on the strip that could serve alcohol.

On the busiest weekend of the summer so far, the patio at Banana’s is open and serving alcohol for the first time this year.

It’s the first of three main bars to receive a new liquor license and open, and its new owner says that’s a big deal.

“The July long weekend is the beginning of summer for many students and families,” says Enzo Grossi, who now also owns The Dard and the Copa Cabana on the strip. “There are many reasons why it’s important – the tourism aspect, the retail aspect. The beach is a draw and we can sustain the tourism with the bar.”

Grossi took over the bars from a previous owner he says did pay the bills and taxes. There was uncertainty if the bar would reopen, and because of the previous owner he had to apply for new liquor licenses.

Beach-goers are happy to see the nightlife return.

“You’re on the beach all day and it gives you something to do at night rather than being stuck inside,” says one beachgoer. “It’s a great place to meet people.”

It’s also a relief for businesses on the strip, which have seen a slow start to the season. Carly Burchell manages a clothing store and says the bars are just as important for business as the good weather.

“When the bars were closed it really did hurt tourism,” she says. “Not everyone comes here for the bars, but a majority do so hopefully business will pick up.”

And with the return of the nightlife, the OPP is also expecting to be busy and will step up their enforcement.

“We’re down there if something happened. The response is quick,” says OPP Const. Mark Kinney.

While getting a new liquor license can be a lengthy process, Grossi says he expects the Dard and the Copa to be open by next weekend. They still need a fire inspection and a health inspection too.