Shock and Controversy: Campbell River Pub Fined $1K for Exposing Liquor Inspectors

In a surprising turn of events, J.J.'s Pub in Campbell River has been hit with a $1,000 fine after staff openly announced the presence of liquor inspectors, violating crucial regulations designed to protect the inspectors' identities and safety.

According to a decision made by Nerys Poole, a delegate from the B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, established rules clearly prohibit drawing attention to liquor inspectors. This regulation exists to ensure their safety and to maintain the integrity of their inspections, as previously encountered situations have shown that public knowledge of inspectors' presence can lead to unsafe conditions.

The incident unfolded on May 25 when two inspectors entered the pub and identified themselves to an employee. In an unexpected twist, the staff member attempted to charge the inspectors a cover fee of $15—despite the fact that inspectors are not required to pay such fees. As the inspectors continued into the pub, the employee began to vocally identify them, yelling "liquor inspectors" while pointing at their heads—a clear violation of the regulations.

The exchange escalated to an uncomfortable point when the inspector informed the employee that they should not point them out. The employee’s response was dismissive and laced with profanity: “I can do whatever the f*** I want in this place.” This outburst contributed to an atmosphere that made the inspectors feel unsafe, prompting them to leave rather than conduct their inspection.

Interestingly, the pub's manager, who has known the employee for years, testified that she did not hear the inappropriate language. She described the worker as generally nice and kind, suggesting that he was out of character during this incident. However, when reviewing notes taken by the employee that claimed he had informed management of the inspectors' presence, Poole dismissed these as self-serving and not credible.

Salvatore Guzzo, the owner of J.J.'s Pub, expressed frustration, suggesting that his establishment has been unfairly targeted by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch during inspections over the past three years. Guzzo's argument hinges on the belief that the branch has been excessively scrutinizing his pub, leading to repeated confrontations and penalties.

Despite the manager's and owner's testimonies, Poole ultimately ruled in favor of the inspectors and upheld the fine. This ruling underscores the stringent regulations surrounding the alcohol service industry in British Columbia, especially the emphasis on maintaining a secure environment for regulatory officials.

As this controversy unfolds, it raises questions about the challenges faced by pub owners during inspections and the stringent nature of liquor laws. Will J.J.’s Pub appeal the decision or change its approach to inspections in the future? Only time will tell as both the pub and its patrons navigate the aftermath of this incident.