Latest news with #liquorlicence
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Disgraced former Opposition leader suffers another embarrassing blow months after cocaine scandal ended his political career
Former South Australian opposition leader David Speirs has suffered another embarrassing setback, being refused a liquor licence for his own charity event. The 40-year-old retired from politics after a video surfaced online appearing to show him snorting a white substance. Thursday night's fundraiser, held at the Marino Community Hall south-east of Adelaide 's CBD, was organised to support Speirs' upcoming walk along the Kokoda Track later this month. Proceeds are going to two men's mental health charities, Breakthrough Mental Health Foundation and The Man Cave. The event was promoted as an 'evening of delicious paella, fine wines, and great jazz', but no wine could be served. Spiers pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying a controlled substance to another person on separate occasions in August last year. His lawyer had urged the court not to record a conviction, arguing it would prevent him from travelling overseas. But the Adelaide Magistrates Court fined him $9,000, recorded two convictions, and ordered him to complete 37-and-a-half hours of community service. The conviction is why Spiers was unable to secure the licence. Under the Liquor Licensing Act, 'a person is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence if the person has been found guilty or convicted of an offence'. This also includes a 'controlled drug'. A South Australian government spokesperson confirmed to The Advertiser that they would not have granted the request had Spiers requested. 'On 14 August Mr Speirs contacted our CBS (Consumer Business Service) seeking advice on a short term liquor licence for the event he was planning that same evening,' the spokesperson said. 'He was advised of the fit and proper person requirements under the Liquor Licence Act. 'Mr Speirs advised CBS he would not be submitting an application.' The event still went ahead, and did make good on the promise of jazz music, with attendees instead served coffee as a beverage option. Spier's posted on social media saying the event was a success. 'What an incredible night! The room was buzzing and it was amazing to see so many people coming together for such an important cause. Nights like this remind us how powerful community really is,' he wrote. Tickets to the event cost $70, or $55 for concessions. So far Spiers has raised more than $6,200 towards his $10,000 goal, according to his fundraising page. On the page, Spiers mentions his own mental health struggles, which he faced following the end of his time as SA Liberal leader. 'Life can be real tough sometimes. Things happen which are sometimes within our control and sometimes outside of our control and often a bit of both,' he said. 'This can lead people to dark and scary places. I know. I've been there. Some days I still find myself there. But I'm doing well overall thanks to the incredible support I've had from across our community'. Earlier this week, reports emerged that Speirs is weighing a political comeback, with plans to run as an Independent in the 2026 South Australian election. It is understood his frustration over the state's ongoing algal bloom crisis, which has killed more than 400 marine species, is a key factor driving his potential return.
Malay Mail
08-08-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Singapore lifts 16-year ban on new nightlife spots at Boat Quay, Clarke Quay with 4am licence boost
SINGAPORE, Aug 8 — Restaurant-bars, pubs, bars and nightclubs in the Boat Quay and Clarke Quay area will be able to apply for extended liquor licences till 4am on Thursdays and Fridays from August 18. The year-long pilot programme is aimed at revitalising the area, Singapore daily The Straits Times reported. 'We've been looking at how to make sure the place is lively – it's part of the attraction of Singapore as a whole. 'As part of the feedback after looking at it, we decided to make some changes,' Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam was quoted as saying. Businesses will also be allowed to submit proposals for new bars, pubs and nightclubs along the Boat Quay waterfront, Circular Road, Lorong Telok and Canton Street. This ends a 16-year moratorium on new nightlife venues in the historic district. Circular Road will also resume being a car-free zone for events and pedestrian-friendly activities on weekend evenings and the eve of public holidays. Shanmugam said the respective agencies will also work with local stakeholders to ensure responsible management of the nightlife spaces and public areas in these locations. 'It's a balance – we open up more, we can expect more incidents, and we want to make sure that it doesn't get out of hand... SRO has committed to having these security deployments and also some contingency plans in place, and we will monitor the outcomes,' he added, using the initials for Singapore River One. Minister of State Alvin Tan said the government is keen to hold events like Formula One racing to lure more tourists to visit Singapore and liven the area . 'This gives us a fighting chance for nightlife. 'It also gives us an opportunity to engage with the landlords, to rethink concepts of what we want to bring in as well,' SRO executive director Michelle Koh was quoted as saying.
CTV News
07-08-2025
- CTV News
North York club's liquor licence to be revoked after inspectors allegedly blocked from entering
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) says it is moving to revoke the liquor licence of a North York nightclub where private security allegedly blocked inspectors from carrying out their work on several occasions. In a news release Thursday, the AGCO accused INXX Lounge, located at 1295 Finch Ave. W. of 'multiple serious contraventions of the Liquor Licence and Control Act (LLCA),' including 'persistent interference with AGCO inspectors.' The regulatory agency said INXX Lounge security blocked AGCO inspectors and Toronto police officers from entering the premises on Feb. 8, and staff removed a point-of-sale machine so that it couldn't be inspected. AGCO inspectors were once again obstructed by security from entering the club on May 24, the AGCO said. 'Inspectors also found the licensed premises to exceed the legal capacity,' the commission said. Security obstructed inspectors from visiting the premises a third time on June 29, according to the release. 'The repeated obstruction, coupled with incidents such as allowing dangerous overcrowding that exceeded the venue's licensed capacity, demonstrate that INXX Lounge is failing to operate with integrity and in accordance with the LLCA,' it reads. 'As a result, the AGCO has proposed the revocation of the business's liquor licence as there are reasonable grounds to believe the licence holder will not operate the business with honesty, integrity and in accordance with the law.' INXX Lounge did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the move. A liquor licence holder has the right to appeal the move to an independent tribunal within 15 days. This is not the first time the club has made headlines. In May 2024, police were called to the establishment for a shooting that resulted in two people suffering critical injuries.
CBC
17-05-2025
- CBC
Vancouver bar owner convicted of sexual assault fails to get liquor licence back
Social Sharing WARNING: This story contains details of sexual assault. A Vancouver bar owner convicted of sexually assaulting a woman at his business has failed to get his liquor licence back. This week, the general manager of B.C.'s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch said Chih Hwa Leo Chow, the owner of the Brickhouse Late Nite Bistro and Bar, has proven "that his character renders him an unfit and improper" liquor licence holder. "It would be an abdication of the General Manager's duty to protect the public if he were to allow the licence to persist," the branch said in its response to Chow's court petition. Chow, 68, was convicted last year of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman who had stopped by his bar in 2022. Court heard that Chow penetrated the woman with his fingers without consent and forced her to touch his penis. Chow said he has retained lawyers to appeal his conviction, according to his petition. Chow is currently facing charges of sexual assault, unlawful confinement or imprisonment and administering a noxious substance to a person in relation to an offence that allegedly happened in January 2024. None of the allegations have been tested in court. Chow is not in custody and is due in court on May 20 in relation to those charges. Chow's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment from CBC News. 'Not fit' to hold licence Chow's liquor licence was cancelled effective May 2 because of the sexual assault conviction and because the liquor branch determined he was "not fit" to hold a liquor licence. Chow argued that prior to the criminal matter, he and his bar "enjoyed an unblemished record of compliance with provincial liquor laws" for more than 30 years. Chow said he has not returned to the bar since February 2024 and that his business has continued to operate responsibly under separate management. He said he doesn't intend to return to the business in any operational capacity. He had asked the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to consider transferring the liquor licence instead of cancelling it outright. Chow called the branch's refusal to do that "draconian" and claims it deprives him of his ability to sell his bar. "The safety of the public is not enhanced by denying Mr. Chow the ability to sell the Brickhouse and transfer the licence to a third party who is agreeable to the Branch," Chow argued in his petition. In its response, the branch said Chow's claim about not being able to sell his bar was "speculative" and that the decision to cancel the licence doesn't have any impact on Chow's assets, including his rights under the lease. The branch said if a new person takes over the bar, the branch will have to determine that they're a suitable licensee, regardless of whether they are transferred the liquor licence or apply for a new one.
