Ontario Regulator Moves to Suspend License of Kelseys Restaurant After Fatal Crash

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has taken action to suspend the liquor license of a Kelseys Original Roadhouse in Huntsville, located in the Muskokas region. The AGCO alleges that the staff at the restaurant overserved a customer, who later met with a fatal crash. This incident, which occurred on November 4, 2022, has raised concerns about responsible alcohol service at the establishment.

According to the AGCO, the customer at Kelseys consumed a staggering 18 shots of liquor within three hours and 45 minutes, despite displaying clear signs of intoxication. The situation escalated when the customer, already inebriated, was allowed to drive away after closing time. Tragically, this led to a single-vehicle crash that resulted in the customer sustaining fatal injuries.

The AGCO has highlighted several violations of the Liquor Licence and Control Act that took place at the Kelseys restaurant in Huntsville. As a result, the commission has issued a notice of a 60-day suspension of the liquor license to the establishment. This decision underscores the importance of safe and responsible alcohol service practices, as mandated by Ontario’s regulatory framework.

It is worth noting that establishments holding liquor licenses in Ontario are obligated to ensure that customers are not served to the point of intoxication. Furthermore, it is their responsibility to provide adequate training to staff members to identify the signs of intoxication and act accordingly. In light of this incident, the AGCO is emphasizing the need for establishments to prioritize the safety and well-being of their patrons.

At this stage, the Kelseys parent company, Recipe Unlimited, has not yet provided a statement regarding the situation. The notice of suspension issued by the AGCO can be appealed to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, although the timeline for the suspension to take effect remains unspecified.