Toronto Bar Licence Revocation: The Shocking Downfall of Southside Johnny’s
In a stunning turn of events, a long-standing Etobicoke establishment has faced a devastating Toronto bar licence revocation. Southside Johnny’s Bar and Grill, located at 3653 Lake Shore Blvd. W., has officially lost its right to serve alcohol after a probe revealed a troubling pattern of purchasing stolen liquor.
The decision comes following a detailed ruling by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which uncovered that the bar was not only serving stolen spirits but actively ordering specific types of alcohol from illicit sources.
The Investigation: How They Were Caught
The downfall of the establishment began with a coordinated effort between the AGCO’s Major Case Office and Halton police. Investigators conducted surveillance on individuals stealing from various LCBO stores, only to find the thieves delivering the purloined bottles directly to the rear of Southside Johnny’s.
Key findings from the investigation include:
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- Illicit Transactions: Manager Yasmin Gomes admitted to paying $70.00 for two bottles of Appleton Rum, knowing they were likely stolen.
- Specific Requests: Testimony revealed that the manager even requested specific brands, such as Jägermeister, from the thieves.
- Duration: The illegal activity persisted for several months, with some testimonies suggesting the practice lasted up to a year.
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A Desperate Defense: ‘Keeping the Peace’
During the hearings, the bar’s owner, John Theodorakakis, presented a complex defense. He admitted to buying the stolen goods but claimed he did so to prevent harassment from a nearby homeless encampment. According to Theodorakakis, the residents of the encampment had previously:
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- Harassed customers to buy stolen alcohol.
- Vandalized the business with graffiti.
- Damaged his personal vehicle and stole licence plates.
- Left human waste at the establishment’s entrance.
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Theodorakakis testified that after suffering between $5,000 and $6,000 in damages, he resorted to buying the stolen loot as a way to “mollify” the group and ensure the safety of his staff and patrons.
The Final Ruling: Law vs. Intent
While the adjudicator, Bruce Stanton, acknowledged that the owner’s attempts to maintain peace were “well-intentioned,” he ultimately ruled that they were “ill-considered.” The ruling emphasized that facing harassment does not justify participating in the illegal trade of stolen goods. The adjudicator noted that the owner should have contacted law enforcement rather than funding criminal activity.
“Purchasing stolen liquor is a serious breach of integrity that not only violates the law but compromises public safety and introduces illegal goods into Ontario’s regulated alcohol market.” — Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of the AGCO.
What Now for Southside Johnny’s?
Despite having operated the business for 21 years with a previously clean record, the Toronto bar licence revocation is expected to be a “death knell” for the establishment. Interestingly, the bar’s official Facebook page currently claims the venue is “temporarily closed for renovations” to prepare for an “exciting new chapter,” leaving the community wondering if the business can ever truly recover from such a legal blow.
