1Adeniyi Balogun (“Balogun”), doing business as Two-Four-Seven Lounge and Restaurant (“appellant”) appeals the Notice of Proposal (“NOP”) to revoke the liquor licence, issued by the Registrar, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act, 2019, (the “respondent”) under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, S.O. 2019, c. 15, Sch. 22 (the “Act”), on September 29, 2023, and amended on April 15, 2024.

2Balogun is the owner of and the sole officer and director of the appellant.

3Licensed premises in Ontario are subject to compliance inspections by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (“AGCO”), the operational and compliance arm of the respondent.

4The matter proceeded to a two-day videoconference hearing. On behalf of the respondent, I heard the testimony of Devin Sookdeo, Manager, Liquor Eligibility and three Inspectors: Stephanie Williams (“Williams”), Kamesha Peck (“Peck”) and Xavier Nguyen (“Nguyen”). Adeniyi Balogun (“Balogun”) testified on behalf of the appellant, as did Jimi Amidu (“Amidu”), previous owner, Charles Oyewuwi (“Oyewuwi”), staff member and Franca Asamoah (“Asamoah”), a bar owner.

ISSUES

5The issue in dispute is:

1. Having regard to the past or present conduct of the appellant and its officer and director, are there reasonable grounds for belief that the appellant will not carry on business in accordance with the law and with integrity and honesty?

RESULT

6The respondent has proven that having regard to the past or present conduct of the appellant, there are reasonable grounds for belief that the appellant will not carry on business in accordance with the law and with integrity and honesty. In consideration of the public interest imperatives of the Act, I direct the respondent to not carry out the NOP and order a 30-day suspension of the appellant’s licence with terms and conditions.

PROCEDURAL ISSUES

Surveillance Video

7The respondent requested that I exclude a surveillance