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AGCO issues order against South Branch Bistro

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has suspended the liquor licence of the South Branch Bistro in Kemptville effective immediately.  The Registrar of the AGCO issued the Order of Interim Suspension for “reasons of public interest and safety” as stated in a press release.

The decision was made after the restaurant hosted a “No More Lockdowns” protest rally on Thursday where about 200 people attended.  The AGCO, OPP as well as local public health and bylaw officials were at the event where officials report they saw people consuming alcohol inside the establishment and on the licenced patio despite the Province-Wide Shutdown Order made under the Emergency Management and Public Protection Act. Officials say people were not properly socially distanced and most “including staff and children” were not wearing masks.

Officials returned Friday night and say again people were being served alcohol on the patio and staff was not wearing masks.  On top of the interim suspension, the commission has also issued a notice to revoke the liquor licence for what the commission calls “infractions of the Liquor Licence Act, including the requirement that the licence holder act and carry on business in accordance with the law and with honesty and integrity.”

The OPP is investigating but there has been no word on further charges.

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The AGCO is a regulatory agency with a governing board that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General.  The commission adds that an establishment served with an interim suspension has the right to appeal the Registrar’s action.

On Thursday, The South Branch Bistro posted on Facebook they understood the community’s concern but say they had no choice but to open to feed their family or be forced to close for good. They also say the “mask burning party” as the Thursday night event was advertised was a joke.

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