Axe-throwing league aims for liquor licence
Company hopes safety record will lead to AGCO approval
Axe-throwing and alcohol: What could possibly go wrong?
The Backyard Axe-Throwing League (BATL) — which has been catering to Canadian axe-chucking aficionados since 2006 — is aiming for a liquor licence.
CEO Matt Wilson brushes off safety concerns, saying staff at all six league locations in Ontario are well trained.
In recent months, a safety specialist was brought in to inspect league locations as part of the application to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
“We received glowing reviews on the safety to go ahead with the application for the liquor licence,” Wilson said.
“They were very impressed with the safety of the facility, as well as the training of our staff.”
The commission didn’t immediately re- spond to a request for comment.
Wilson emphasizes that his staff have had thorough experience with axe throwing and are able to teach most of the participants how to properly and safely throw an axe in a matter of minutes.
Axe-throwers are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the league, but Wilson is determined and “optimistic” that he’ll be able to put the bottles back on the shelves.
“We are currently in the waiting process to get our liquor licence approved throughout Ontario,” Wilson said.
He is hopeful that “100 per cent” of Ontario locations will be able to sell alcohol by the end of summer or early fall.
“We want people to leave with a smile, and we’re excited for the upcoming change,” Wilson said. “Axethrowing can be quite cathartic.”
There are six BATL axe-throwing locations in Ontario and one in Calgary.
The league started up in a College St. backyard in 2006, but soon outgrew its home and in 2011 took on its first off-site location, a warehouse in the Junction.
Anyone who picks up an axe signs a waiver and is brought to designated axe-throwing areas alongside training staff.
Wilson said axe throwers get a 20- to 30-minute training session, then staff remain side-by-side with each group of throwers throughout the tournament. Staff are also there during the playoffs.
During the past five years, Wilson said there haven’t been any major injuries; nothing more than a few cuts on the hands while staff have been sharpening axes.
“In 2014, we had 100,000 new visitors . . . Nothing has ever happened to any of the guests while throwing the axes,” Wilson said.
This summer, Wilson has plans to move the original Sterling Rd. location to Dufferin and Dupont Sts., in the Galleria Mall.
Wilson estimates 10,000 to 15,000 people visit BATL’s two Toronto locations each month.