On May 24, 2024, a 19-year-old man tragically lost his life after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol at Mister Wolf, a Toronto nightclub located on Queen Street near Portland Avenue. The incident prompted a swift response from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death. The AGCO’s findings revealed a series of failures on the part of the establishment’s staff to fulfill their responsibilities in ensuring the safety and well-being of their patrons.
According to the AGCO’s investigation, the 19-year-old man was part of a group situated within the VIP area of Mister Wolf. Over the course of several hours, the group was served three large bottles of liquor. As the evening progressed, the young man began exhibiting clear signs of severe intoxication, including repeated stumbling, staggering, loss of balance, involvement in physical altercations with other patrons, and other visible indications of his impaired state. Despite these alarming signs, the AGCO’s investigation revealed that no employees of Mister Wolf intervened to address the escalating situation.
Around 1:00 a.m. on May 25, the intoxicated young man made his way up a stairwell to a restricted area of the bar that had been cordoned off. Tragically, his lifeless body was discovered later that afternoon in the stairwell. A subsequent toxicology analysis confirmed a blood alcohol content more than double the legal driving limit under the Criminal Code of Canada. This stark revelation underscored the severity of the young man’s intoxication and the potential consequences of unchecked alcohol consumption.
The AGCO’s investigation concluded that the staff at Mister Wolf were either aware or should have been aware of the deceased’s evident intoxication. Their failure to intervene, as mandated by their responsibilities, contributed directly to the tragic outcome. In response to these findings, the AGCO issued a notice of proposal for a 60-day suspension of Mister Wolf’s liquor license. This significant penalty reflects the gravity of the establishment’s negligence and serves as a clear message to all licensed establishments in Ontario regarding the paramount importance of responsible alcohol service and patron safety.
AGCO CEO Karin Schnarr expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the critical responsibility of licensees to prioritize the safety and well-being of their patrons. She stated that the AGCO trusts the 60-day suspension will serve as a strong motivator for Mister Wolf to implement necessary measures to ensure responsible service and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The AGCO has pledged to closely monitor the establishment’s compliance with these expectations.
In addition to the AGCO’s investigation, the Toronto Police Service also conducted a separate investigation into the incident. The police laid separate charges in connection with the young man’s death, further highlighting the seriousness of the matter. The AGCO has been collaborating with the Toronto police throughout their respective investigations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the tragedy. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from irresponsible alcohol service and the crucial role that licensed establishments play in preventing such tragedies. The AGCO’s actions send a clear message to the industry about the importance of prioritizing patron safety and upholding the highest standards of responsible alcohol service.
