🔥 Trending Toronto Bar's Liquor License Revoked After Buying Stolen Booze

A Toronto bar, Southside Johnny's Bar and Grill, had its liquor license revoked after an Ontario tribunal found that its owner and manager knowingly purchased stolen alcohol. The decision was upheld by the province's Licence Appeal Tribunal on July 16, 2026 ³.

Details of the Incident

The bar, which had been in business for 21 years in west-end Toronto, was found to have repeatedly bought stolen goods, including liquor, from individuals connected to a nearby homeless encampment ¹³⁴. These individuals were described as an "encampment gang" or "suspected drug addicts" ⁴⁷.

The owner of Southside Johnny's stated that he knowingly purchased the stolen alcohol to "keep the peace" and prevent retaliation from those connected to the encampment ¹²⁸. He claimed these individuals were harassing staff and patrons of the bar ⁴.

Investigation and Tribunal Decision

The revocation followed a comprehensive investigation into the bar's operations ⁶. The Licence Appeal Tribunal acknowledged that the decision could be a "death sentence" for the establishment. However, it emphasized that the potential consequences for the business played no part in determining whether a license should be granted or revoked ⁵. The tribunal's role is to assess compliance with liquor laws and regulations.

As of July 23, 2026, Southside Johnny's has not publicly announced whether it plans to appeal the decision or pursue a new liquor license ⁵. The bar is reportedly preparing for "a new chapter" following the tribunal's order ⁶.