Unlicensed Alcohol Venue Shuttered on Gladstone Ave

Police and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario abruptly shut down an unlicensed establishment in the 700 block of Gladstone Avenue after discovering it was serving alcohol without a valid licence and operating as an illegal shisha bar in violation of provincial tobacco laws.

Officers, fire services, and bylaw staff executed a search warrant on May 23 after community complaints about ongoing noise disturbances and interference with neighbouring businesses and residents. The investigation revealed the business had no authorization to operate as either a bar or shisha lounge.

Authorities seized 37 bottles of liquor, more than 150 beers and premixed alcoholic beverages, seven bottles of wine and champagne, approximately five kilograms of illegal shisha tobacco, and around 100 hookah smoking devices. Police said they anticipate charges will be laid soon.

The enforcement action mirrors a similar operation last year that targeted an unlicensed after-hours establishment on Rideau Street. That five-month investigation resulted in more than 15 people facing charges for unlawfully serving alcohol, operating a shisha lounge, employing unlicensed security, and violating fire codes.