Liquor and bail compliance checks in downtown Sudbury

In what police are call proof the system needs repairs, almost half of people North Bay police checked on were violating bail conditions.

While performing liquor and bail compliance checks in downtown Sudbury on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, officials found seven violations and arrested six wanted individuals.

Serving responsibly

Officers from the Sudbury police community response unit (CRU) went with liquor inspectors on March 14 to educate 23 licensed facilities on the “Big 5” violations.

The information about serving minors, intoxicated patrons, and after hours along with overcrowding and allowing violent, unruly and disorderly behaviour was reportedly well received, police said in a news release Friday.

“After educating local businesses, members of CRU and the (Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario) attended a total of 42 local licensed liquor establishments to conduct compliance inspections. In total, approximately 2,100 community members were present,” police said.

“Members of the CRU and the AGCO identified and intervened in two open container infractions, one overcrowded establishment, three incidents of overservice and one permit-related issue where liquor was being served where it was not authorized.”

Impaired driver

Following the compliance inspections March 14, police saw a vehicle being driven “in a dangerous manner” down the wrong way on Larch Street before doing a “burnout/drift” while turning onto Elgin Street.

The driver was pulled over and charged with impaired and dangerous operation, stunt driving and other offences under the Highway Traffic Act.

“That same night, officers attended and intervened in a disturbance outside of an establishment on Cedar Street where they were able to resolve the disturbance in a peaceful manner.”

Undercover bail compliance checks

Later that weekend, the police community response unit shifted its focus to bail compliance and warrant apprehension downtown.

Plainclothes officers completed seven bail compliance checks on March 16 and issued two warrant requests for failing to comply with a release order and arrested six wanted people.

“The (CRU) is dedicated to prevention and risk intervention through the Bail Compliance and Warrant Apprehension Program, with a strong focus on violent and high-risk offenders,” police said.

“We will continue to allocate resources to ensure strict adherence to court-ordered conditions and the prompt execution of arrest warrants for those breaching judicial orders. This proactive approach underscores the importance of accountability in reducing risks to our community.”