Police shutdown unlicenced lounge in Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood

A Ottawa Police Service (OPS) patch is seen in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

The Ottawa Police Service says officers shut down an unlicenced Centretown lounge serving alcohol and allowing the use of hookah indoors earlier this month, seizing nearly 400 bottles of liquor.

Police, Bylaw Services officers and officials with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) conducted a joint operation on April 12 at a lounge located in the 100 block of Laurier Avenue West, near Elgin Street.

“The investigation revealed that the venue was operating as an unlicensed establishment, actively serving alcohol and using hookahs indoors,” police said in a statement Monday morning.

“As a result, the establishment was shut down.”

Several fines were issued for violations under the Liquor Licence and Control Act and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, according to police.

“Charges have been laid against the owners by way of Part III summons, and additional Smoke-Free Ontario Act charges were issued by Bylaw officers,” police said. “The AGCO is continuing its investigation into the venue and its operators.”