Toronto nightclub faces temporary liquor licence suspension after 19-year-old's death last spring

Ontario's alcohol regulator is moving to suspend a Toronto nightclub's liquor licence for two months after a 19-year-old man was discovered dead inside the establishment last spring. 

In a news release Wednesday, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) says it has issued a notice of proposal to Mister Wolf, a nightlife and event space on Queen Street West, for a 60-day liquor sales licence suspension.

The 19-year-old man was at the nightclub on May 25, 2024, and served three large bottles of alcohol while seated in a VIP area, the AGCO said in the news release.

The regulator said its investigation revealed that the patron showed visible signs of intoxication that night, including stumbling, losing his balance and getting into physical fights with other patrons. 

At no point did the bar's security or staff intervene in any way, the regulator said. 

At around 1 a.m., the patron went up a stairwell that was supposed to be sectioned off. He was found dead there the following afternoon, AGCO said in the release.

A toxicology analysis found the man had a blood alcohol content of more than twice the legal driving limit. 

Based on the investigation, the regulator believes that Mister Wolf staff knew or ought to have known that the patron was showing clear signs of intoxication, and that it failed to intervene as required by law under the province's Liquor Licence and Control Act. 

Under the act, liquor licence holders must ensure their customers are not served to intoxication or permit intoxication on their premises. It is also the responsibility of all licensees to ensure their staff are properly trained to recognize the signs of intoxication.

In a statement on Wednesday night, the nightclub said: "We were saddened to learn that on the early morning of May 26, 2024, a young man was found deceased in the building where Mister Wolf is located.

"The incident remains an ongoing investigation and we continue to work tirelessly with all the local authorities to ensure a resolution. As always, the safety, security and privacy of our patrons are of utmost importance to us. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to them."

Toronto police said they have not laid criminal charges but did lay charges under the act. They also said they are not going to release the name of the man who died.

On July 4, 2024, police charged the business owner with the following under the act:

• Selling liquor to intoxicated person. 
• Supplying liquor to intoxicated person.
• Permitting liquor to be sold to intoxicated person.
• Permitting liquor to be supplied to intoxicated person.
• Permitting intoxication on licensed premises.
• Permitting disorderly conduct on licensed premises.
• Licensee failing to ensure licensed premises vacated.

On August 13, 2024, police charged a numbered corporation doing business as Mister Wolf, with the following under the act:

• Selling liquor to intoxicated person.
• Supplying liquor to intoxicated person.
• Permitting liquor to be sold to intoxicated person.
• Permitting liquor to be supplied to intoxicated person.
• Permitting intoxication on licensed premises.
• Permitting disorderly conduct on licensed premises.