Liquor Licence Act
"The Liquor Licence Act is the most important piece of legislation that your serving staff has never heard of."
When your business has been served with a Notice of Proposal or visited by a liquor inspector, your income is at stake. If your bar has been accused of allowing a breach of the Liquor Licence Act, your licence can be suspended at a moment's notice--whether the allegations are founded or not. You need to consult an experienced lawyer right away to help you fight for the return of your licence.
The Liquor Licence Act is a specialized piece of legislation and a very demanding one. Because dispensing liquor is a licensed activity and not a right, the Registrar's burden in establishing a breach of your licence is surprisingly low. The Registrar only needs to show reasonable doubt and the traditional rules of evidence are largely ignored.
The penalties for a violation of the Liquor Licence Act are harsh and range from fines to licence suspensions. In some cases, such as when a licensee has been found to have "permitted disorderly conduct" or served alcohol to a minor, the Registrar may seek a complete revocation of the licence, even if it is the licensee's first breach.
Engel and Lewandowski are experienced in the intricacies of the Liquor Licence Act and can help you defend your rights and help you get back to business.