The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has announced its intent to suspend the liquor licence of My Friends Place, a bar in Woodstock, Ontario, following serious violations of provincial alcohol regulations that allegedly led to a customer’s death.
According to the AGCO, the bar served 17 beers to a single customer within a four-hour period last October. The individual later fell outside the premises, sustained a head injury, and tragically died in hospital.
In addition to this fatal incident, the regulator alleges that another customer was permitted to drive after being over-served, raising further concerns about the establishment’s adherence to public safety protocols.
The AGCO has cited multiple infractions, including:
- Serving alcohol to intoxicated persons
- Permitting intoxication on licensed premises
- Allowing an untrained individual to serve alcohol
The commission says these alleged breaches reflect a serious disregard for public safety and provincial liquor laws.
While the licence suspension is pending, the bar has the right to appeal the decision through the License Appeal Tribunal.
“The AGCO takes these matters very seriously,” said a spokesperson from the agency. “Ontario’s liquor laws exist to protect the safety of the public, and establishments that fail to meet those responsibilities will be held accountable.”
The case underscores growing calls for enhanced enforcement and server responsibility training across the hospitality industry. The incident also highlights the risks associated with over-service and impaired judgment, especially in the context of alcohol-related fatalities and preventable injuries.
The AGCO continues to investigate and has not ruled out further regulatory actions.