Liquor commission investigates bar after shooting

The provincial body responsible for liquor licensing is investigating a bar on Rideau Street after a man was shot and killed on the sidewalk in front of the club Monday. Such investigations are routine after serious incidents at bars, said a statement from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Ashton Dickson, 25, was gunned down around 1 a.m. after an argument that began inside the Mingle Room spilled outside. In another incident last week, a 25-year-old man was stabbed in front of the Mingle Room after nearby residents heard gunfire.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission investigation of the two recent incidents is independent of police probes. However, the commission works closely with local police and shares information, the statement said. The operators of The Mingle Room are co-operating with the investigation, added the statement. The bar has been licensed since February 2014, and there are no conditions on the licence. The bar has been inspected regularly over the last two years with no “adverse findings,” the statement said. “As part of its investigation, the (commission) will review the licensee’s operations to ensure that the highest standards of public safety and social responsibility are met.”

Severalneighbourssaytheyareupsetbynoisemadebypatronsatnight. “It has caused a lot of issues for the neighbours in terms of noise and disturbances” said a resident who asked not to be named. Neighbours who live nearby have complained to city bylaw officers about the noise in the evening. The resident said the club is better suited for an area such as the ByWard Market. Residents are also concerned with what they said was an escalation of violence.