The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced on Tuesday that it has issued a proposal to suspend the liquor license of Just Your Average Joes Sports Bar in east Windsor for 60 days. This action follows an investigation into the bar’s alleged role in serving alcohol to a patron who later caused a fatal collision.
The incident occurred on the evening of September 7, 2024, when a motorcycle was struck by another vehicle at the intersection of Lauzon Parkway and Lauzon Line, roughly 500 meters from the bar. The 39-year-old motorcyclist died from serious injuries, and a 35-year-old passenger was also injured. Police arrested the driver of the other vehicle at the scene, who exhibited signs of intoxication and later failed a breath test. The driver has been charged with impaired operation of a vehicle causing death and bodily harm.
An AGCO investigation revealed that the driver had consumed at least 10 alcoholic beverages at the bar before the incident. Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO of AGCO, emphasized the legal and moral responsibility of establishments to ensure patrons do not become overly intoxicated. According to Ontario’s Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, licensed premises must prevent patrons from becoming intoxicated and ensure staff are trained to recognize the signs of intoxication.
The AGCO found that the bar violated this regulation by allowing intoxication to occur within its premises. The bar has the option to appeal the suspension within 15 days to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.