Downtown Halifax nightclub appeals proposed suspension of liquor licence

A downtown Halifax bar allegedly served alcohol to a minor and allowed employees to drink while they were working, according to Nova Scotia's Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division.

The division has accused staff at the Dome Nightclub of violating several sections of the Liquor Control Act on June 6, 2024. The accusations follow an investigation.

The nightclub was issued a notice of proposed disciplinary action last month that included a seven-day suspension of its liquor licence to take place during the last weekend of July and part of the Natal Day weekend.

However, the bar's owner appealed, which has allowed the bar to remain open until the matter goes before the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board, which is the provincial regulator for liquor licensees.

In the appeal, a lawyer for the bar's owner denies the allegations and said the staff "exercised due diligence in relation to permitting entry or serving alcohol" to customers.

A spokesperson for the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division and the owner of the bar declined requests for comment, saying the matter remains before the appeals board.

Other alleged violations, licence suspensions

The province also alleges staff violated provincial regulations on June 6, 2024, by improperly dispensing liquor, selling liquor not in a glass, and allowing activity that is "detrimental to the orderly control and operation" of the bar.

The proposed discipline also included new conditions for the bar such as only allowing liquor to be sold by the glass and prohibiting liquor bottles at a customer's table, even as part of VIP service.

Staff would also have to attend an instructional session organized by the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division.

The matter is scheduled to go in front of the Nova Scotia Energy Board for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 26.

The Dome had its liquor licence suspended for four days earlier this year in relation to a separate matter in 2023. The bar was disciplined after staff allowed several customers back into the bar after they were kicked out for intoxication.