Dozens of alcoholic pre-mixed drinks, kilograms of illegal tobacco seized
Posted May 28, 2026 01:43:32 PM.
Last Updated May 28, 2026 01:47:12 PM.
Officers teamed up with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and abruptly closed a business and anticipate several charges to be laid.
According to officials, on May 23, fire services, bylaw, police officers and people from the AGCO attended an unlicensed storefront that was operating in the 700 block of Gladstone Avenue.
Through an investigation, they learned that the business was operating without a valid licence while serving alcohol to people. It was also operating as an illegal shisha bar, which goes against provincial tobacco laws.
“In addition, numerous community concerns have been raised regarding ongoing noise disturbances and interference with the peaceful enjoyment of neighbouring businesses and residents,” a press release reads.
As part of an investigation, teams conducted a search warrant at the business where multiple items were seized including:
- 37 bottles of liquor
- More than 150 beers and premixed alcoholic beverages
- 7 bottles of wine and champagne
- Approximately 5 kilograms of illegal shisha tobacco
- Approximately 100 hookah smoking devices
Police said they anticipate charges to be laid soon.
A separate large-scale bust that is similar
In February, officials revealed they had been working on a huge operation that led to more than 15 people facing charges in a similar business operation.
For five months, Ottawa police were looking into an unlicensed after-hours establishment operating in the downtown core after multiple complaints from the community. Through the case, police conducted witness interviews, extensive video analysis and reviewed documents. More follow-ups were launched with the business operators, and 21 people were deemed connected to the establishment.
In the end, investigators deemed the business was unlawfully serving alcohol, operating a shisha consumption lounge, employing unlicensed security personnel and failing to comply with fire codes.
