Kitchener bar’s liquor licence suspended

Bottles of alcohol at a bar (Pexels)

A Kitchener business’ liquor licence has been suspended for 45 days.

According to a news release published on Tuesday, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) made the decision after inspectors went to Zara Lounge and Bar on Sept. 21 around 5:30 a.m.

They said the bar was allegedly over capacity at the time and workers had failed to maintain control of the premises. The AGCO also said alcohol had not been removed by 2:45 a.m. and a drunk person was inside the business.

The release also accused the bar of interfering with inspectors, including by locking doors, delaying entry into the building and refusing to provide information relevant to the inspection.

They add the suspension came after repeated similar violations were made and a previous 10-day suspension was issued.

“These violations collectively demonstrate a pattern of non-compliance and raise serious concerns about the licensee’s ability to operate responsibly and in accordance with the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019,” the news release read.