The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has initiated a significant move to suspend the liquor licence of a Boston Pizza location in St. Catharines, following a tragic incident in which customers, allegedly overserved at the restaurant, were involved in a fatal car accident.

On Thursday, the AGCO announced that it issued a Notice of Proposal for a 60-day suspension of the liquor sales licence for the Boston Pizza situated at 333 Ontario St. This decision comes in the wake of a thorough investigation that revealed concerning violations related to the establishment's alcohol service practices.

According to AGCO, their review indicated that the restaurant allowed patrons to become visibly intoxicated and continued serving them even after clear signs of excessive drinking emerged. This concerning behavior culminated in a single-vehicle crash occurring early on December 18, 2023, resulting in the death of one passenger and serious injuries to another.

Violations Identified by AGCO

The AGCO pinpointed multiple infractions during its investigation, which include:

- **Violation of Section 32 of the Liquor Licence and Control Act**: The establishment permitted liquor to be sold to individuals who were already intoxicated, thereby neglecting their duty of care.

- **Violation of Regulation 746/21, Subsection 43(1)**: It was found that the restaurant allowed intoxication to manifest both on its premises and in adjacent areas that fell under its control.

- **Failure to Ensure Proper Training**: The investigation revealed that the licensee did not verify that employees involved in the sale and service of alcohol possessed a valid certificate confirming they had completed an approved training course issued by the AGCO Board of Directors.

Boston Pizza has the right to appeal this suspension. The AGCO emphasized the responsibility that comes with holding a liquor licence, stating, "We hold liquor licensees to high standards for the safe and responsible sale of alcohol. Establishments must ensure customers are not overserved and must adequately train their staff to identify signs of intoxication."

This unfortunate incident highlights the crucial need for adherence to liquor laws and responsible service practices in Ontario's hospitality industry. The repercussions of failing to uphold such standards can not only lead to legal consequences but also have devastating impacts on the lives of individuals and their families. The community watches closely to see how the AGCO and Boston Pizza will proceed in the aftermath of this tragedy, raising questions about the broader implications for alcohol service establishments across the province.