AGCO suspends Ottawa lounge’s liquor licence after guns found on site

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) “immediately” revoked the liquor licence for Savanna Lounge in Ottawa after an investigation found guns at the property.

In a press release, AGCO notes that the “licensee’s conduct and ongoing public safety concerns” has resulted in the suspension of the licence.

At about 3:00 a.m. on Jan. 12, AGCO inspectors and Ottawa police officers went to the bar and restaurant located at 145 Besserer St. While there, police found a person with a handgun, resulting and arrest and charges for firearm-related offences.

Another gun was also discovered at the property.

At the time of the after-hours inspection there was about 120 people inside the area, the release notes.

“Inspectors observed that the signs of service and consumption of liquor had not been cleared, contrary to the Regulation made under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019,” AGCO said.

Alleged violations include:

• The licence holder, or someone responsible for managing or operating the business, acted in a way that provides reasonable grounds to believe the applicant will not run the business legally, honestly, or with integrity.
• Someone hindered, obstructed, or interfered with an inspection or refused to provide information relevant to an inspection. 
• The licensee failed to remove evidence of service within 45 minutes of the conclusion of service.