Following a White Out Street Party in 2025, True North Sports and Entertainment was fined $12,000 for serving alcohol to minors with fake IDs. The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) issued a compliance order on May 15, 2025, after LGCA inspectors went to a White Out party on May 9. The order says two minors were seen possessing and consuming alcohol, with one of the minors “visibly intoxicated.” “Both minors had 18+ wrist bands and were using identification that was expired and clearly not their image,” the order reads. The LGCA notes security did not thoroughly handle identification before handing out 18+ wristbands, and bar staff were not asking for identification from people who appeared to be under the age of 18, even if they had a wristband on. True North is said to have breached sections 27 (2) and 30 (3) of the Liquor Gaming and Cannabis Control Act, which is serving liquor to someone who appears intoxicated and serving liquor to a minor. It also breached section 15 of the Liquor Licensing Regulation, which notes valid ID must be presented when buying alcohol if the person appears to be a minor. “Minors consuming liquor is a major liquor breach, as it has one of the greatest risks to public safety,” the order reads. “LGCA inspectors have observed minors in possession/consuming liquor on five occasions in three weeks, suggesting a concerning trend of underaged drinking occurring at (Canada Life Centre). The licensee has a pattern of non-compliance with one of the most serious life-safety breaches under the Act. This pattern of non-compliance has continued despite a progressive approach to compliance that has focused on education and not yet involved fines or suspension.” The LGCA fined True North $12,000 and also said special terms and conditions must be met during future White Out parties, including giving wristbands to all people of legal drinking age, doing comprehensive ID checks on everyone who appears under the age of 30, having enough staff to control the premise, have a limit of one drink per customer after puck drop, and closing the bar with 10 minutes left in the third period. In a response to CTV News, a spokesperson for True North said the company strives to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone at all events. “As circumstances required throughout the 2025 Street Parties, we worked closely with the LGCA to review and adjust procedures. Collaboration with the LGCA is an ongoing part of standard practices to support responsible operations,” they said. A spokesperson for the LGCA said all requirements in the order have been met with “excellent cooperation” and there are no outstanding compliance orders currently.
