A Toronto bar could lose its liqour licence for two months after a customer who had been served the equivalent of 21 standard drinks fell down a staircase and later died. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has proposed a 60-day suspension of the liquor license for a St. Louis Bar & Grill location on St. Clair Avenue West near Yonge Street. According to the AGCO, on April 14, the customer was served 14 23-ounce beers over approximately five and a half hours, equivalent to 21 standard drinks. The patron subsequently fell down a flight of stairs while making their way to the washroom and died, according to the AGCO. Following an investigation, AGCO officials found that the establishment “permitted the patron to remain on the premises and continued to serve them alcohol after becoming intoxicated.” The commission said the establishment contravened the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019. “This tragic loss of life devastates family, friends, and community and underscores why responsible alcohol service matters,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO chief executive officer and registrar, said in a news release. “Every liquor licensee must monitor service, recognize intoxication, and stop serving when necessary. When licensees fail these obligations and put patrons at risk, the AGCO will take appropriate regulatory action.” The licensee has 15 days from receiving the notice of proposal to appeal the proposed suspension to the Licence Appeal Tribunal. CTV News has reached out to St. Louis Bar & Grill for comment.
