Fergus bar’s liquor licence revoked following owner’s sex assault conviction

The Goofie Newfie in Fergus, Ont. on July 16, 2025. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News)

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is taking steps to ‘immediately’ revoke the liquor license of a Fergus bar.

An order was issued on July 15 to stop liquor sales at The Goofie Newfie, located at 105 Queen Street West, in response to a recent ruling by the Ontario Court of Justice.

The AGCO said one of the bar’s owners, Robert O’Brien, was convicted on two counts of sexual assault.

They also cited the Liquor Licence and Control Act.

“Individuals are not eligible to hold a liquor licence where there are reasonable grounds to believe the applicant will not carry on business in accordance with the law and with integrity and honesty,” a media release said. “The court’s findings provide sufficient evidence to sustain those concerns.”

The Goofie Newfie can appeal their Notice of Proposal with the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is independent of the AGCO, within 15 days.