Charges Laid After Discovery of Illegal After-Hours Bar in Ottawa
The Ottawa Police Service has laid charges against several individuals after an illegal after-hours bar was discovered in the city.
According to police, the investigation began after receiving multiple complaints from residents about a large number of people gathering at a commercial property on Bank Street after regular business hours. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the property was being used as an unlicensed after-hours bar.
On the evening of October 15th, officers executed a search warrant at the property and found over 50 individuals inside, consuming alcohol and not adhering to physical distancing guidelines. The bar was also found to be operating without a liquor license and was in violation of the city’s COVID-19 regulations.
As a result, the property owner and three individuals were charged under the Liquor License Act and the Reopening Ontario Act. The property owner was also charged with operating a business without a license.
In a statement, Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly emphasized the importance of following COVID-19 regulations and the consequences of breaking the law. “We take these violations very seriously and will continue to enforce the laws in place to protect the health and safety of our community,” he said.
The Ottawa Police Service is reminding residents that gatherings of more than 25 people are currently prohibited under the Reopening Ontario Act, and individuals can face fines of up to $100,000 and one year in jail for violating these regulations.
The investigation into the illegal after-hours bar is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. They are also reminding residents to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to the police.
This incident serves as a reminder that the pandemic is not over, and we must all do our part to follow regulations and keep our community safe. The Ottawa Police Service will continue to monitor and enforce COVID-19 regulations to ensure the well-being of our city.
