Ten people and two corporations have been charged after a five-month Ottawa Police Service investigation into an alleged unlicensed after-hours establishment operating on Rideau Street.
The investigation began in September after police received complaints about a non-operational licensed location believed to be functioning as an illegal after-hours bar in the 100 block of Rideau, police said in a news release Wednesday.
During an extensive investigation, police conducted searches that they said resulted in the seizure of electronic evidence, including CCTV recording equipment. Investigators reviewed almost 100 hours of video, police said.
Investigators allege the establishment was unlawfully serving alcohol, operating a shisha consumption lounge, employing unlicensed security personnel and failing to comply with Ontario Fire Code regulations.
In addition to the 10 people and two corporations already facing charges, 11 suspects have yet to be identified, police said. A total of 85 provincial offence notices and four Criminal Code charges have been laid.
Also partnering in the investigation were Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), with the co-operation of the Minister of the Solicitor General’s Office and the OPS Neighbourhood Resource Team.
Police said investigations into unlicensed establishments were continuing, adding that anyone seeing suspicious activity in their neighbourhood should call the Ottawa Police Service Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or online at ottawapolice.ca/report. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.
