Senate Tavern liquor license suspended after alleged assault, which bar owner disputes
Posted Dec 7, 2020 02:28:00 PM.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has suspended the liquor license of both Ottawa locations of the Senate Tavern, after an alleged assault at one of the locations, late last month.
The AGCO says the Senate Tavern's liquor license was suspended for reasons of “public interest and safety,” stemming from an alleged assault at the Clarence Street location. They also issued Notices of Proposal (NOP) to revoke the establishments' liquor license as a result of an infraction of the Liquor Licence Act (LLA).
“Those who hold a licence to sell alcohol are responsible for meeting their obligations under the LLA, and to act with honesty and integrity,” the AGCO said in a statement.
The alleged assault happened on November 29, around 10 p.m.
An Ottawa police officer saw a group of people entering the tavern shortly after 10 p.m., when establishments like the Senate are supposed to stop serving. The officer tried to enter the tavern, but the ACGO said the officer was assaulted by one of the owners of the business.
One person was arrested on site and charged with offences including Assault on Police and possession of illegal narcotics. He was also charged with obstructing the inspection under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA).
One of the Senate's owners, Steve Ryan, says he didn't commit assault but was instead assaulted by the police officer.
“I went to our location located in the ByWard Market to ensure the staff were able to clear the restaurant and get people out on time,” Ryan wrote on social media. “I was helping to clear out my restaurant in line with the 10 p.m. curfew when an officer arrived at the door. When I went to speak with him, he aggressively pushed past me. And when I protested, he assaulted me.”
Ryan said he was saddened and frustrated by the incident. Stating that much of the information that had recently been made public was inaccurate, he said he looked forward to the opportunity to address the charges in court.
