NEWS RELEASE
HAMILTON POLICE SERVICE
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Hamilton Police are collaborating with our partners at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) and Hamilton Municipal Law Enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
Last week, the Hamilton Police Service Major Drugs and Gangs Unit initiated a Liquor Licence and Control Act (LLCA) investigation into the general operations and compliance of Club 33 and Sankofa Bars, located in the downtown core. These premises have been the focal point of numerous violent incidents in the area, including several shootings, recovered firearms, assaults, and bar disturbances.
On Aug. 30, 2024, Hamilton Police, along with the AGCO, served a notice of liquor license suspension to Club 33 at 33 Bowen St., effective immediately and indefinitely. This suspension prohibits the premises from serving alcohol pending any appeal.
On Aug. 31, 2024, Hamilton Police returned to Club 33 to ensure compliance with the liquor license suspension. At 3:51 a.m., police observed that Club 33 was continuing to serve alcohol and allowing patrons to smoke on the premises. Police then ordered the premises to shut down and had all bar staff and patrons exit without incident.
Later that day, police returned to Club 33 with a Provincial Offence Act search warrant and searched the premises for additional evidence of the license suspension breach. Police seized all alcohol found on the premises. Additionally, a small quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine was located and seized.
Club 33 remained closed for the rest of the weekend following the execution of the warrant. The Club 33 LLCA investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending.
On the same evening, Hamilton Police also visited the Sankofa Bar at 92 Jackson St. E, adjacent to Club 33, after observing patrons entering the premises through the front door.
Officers conducted a LLCA inspection and found the premises in violation of their conditions, including failing to remove signs of alcohol service by 2:45 a.m. Police ordered the bar to shut down, and the premises were cleared without incident. The LLCA investigation into Sankofa is ongoing.
Hamilton Police are committed to enforcing all relevant provisions in the LLCA to keep Hamilton a safe place for everyone.
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