Ottawa police seize booze, hookahs from unlicenced bar in Centretown

The sign outside Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (Aaron Reid/CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service says officers seized alcohol and tobacco, as well as hookahs, after searching an unlicenced bar on Gladstone Avenue over the weekend.

Police officers and members of Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Bylaw, the City of Ottawa, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) searched the premises in the 700 block of Gladstone near Bronson Avenue on Saturday.

“The investigation determined that the establishment was operating without a valid AGCO liquor licence while serving alcohol to patrons. The business was also found to be operating as an illegal shisha bar in contravention of provincial tobacco laws,” Ottawa police said in a news release.

Police said the investigation followed community complaints about noise and disturbances in the neighbourhood.

In total, officials seized 37 liquor bottles, more than 150 beers and premixed beverages, seven bottles of wine and champagne, approximately five kilograms of shisha tobacco and around 100 hookahs.

Police say multiple charges are anticipated.

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