Toronto nightclub charged for having indoor party of 150 people

Toronto Police say that on June 26, the nightclub Goldie, a two-story cocktail bar, was operating indoors at a capacity that violated the the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

The legislation was first implemented in March as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic which restricts large public gatherings and only allows bars and restaurants to operate via their takeout and delivery services.

Ontario is now allowing patio services to open and gatherings of up to 10 people however bars and other commercial venues still may not host indoor gathering at this time.

At the time of the party Goldie was not enforcing any physical distancing measures and they did not have an outdoor patio or outside seating area, nor did they have a permit for outdoor service. People were allegedly entering through the back door of the club, according to police. Police estimate anywhere from 125-150 people were inside Goldie during the party.

The case has been referred to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and the owner, manager and corporation have all been charged with failing to comply with the Emergency Act.