Nightclub charged for opening

A Fashion District nightclub owner is facing a charge after police allege that up to 150 patrons were inside the club last week, an event that isn’t allowed during the pandemic.

Toronto police said between 125 and 150 people were inside Goldie nightclub at 619 King Street West on Friday. Patrons were allowed to enter through the back of the building, and social distancing measures weren’t enforced, police said. The club has no outdoor patio or seating areas, and it has no permit for outdoor service of any kind, police said.

Outdoor patios have been allowed to reopen in Toronto starting June 24 as the province gradually allows businesses to reopen during the pandemic.

But indoor service has not yet been permitted.

Police said the owner, manager and corporation will be charged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act with failure to comply with an order made during a declared emergency.

“We like to see every club open because that means more businesses, and more jobs. But there are rules right now that say in the interest of public health, they shouldn’t be,” Mayor John Tory told reporters when asked about the charge during an unrelated briefing on Canada Day. “There are many businesses that are co-operating, they’re playing fair, some people are not … and we have to do something about that,” he added.

A representative from the nightclub couldn’t be reached by phone or email.