Incident Overview

In a shocking incident that highlights the tension between pub staff and liquor inspectors, a Campbell River pub has been slapped with a $1,000 fine after staff members brazenly shouted about the arrival of liquor inspectors, violating strict regulations designed for the safety and confidentiality of these officials.

Official Ruling and Guidelines

In a ruling dated October 31, Nerys Poole, a delegate from the B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, emphasized that liquor licenses come with specific guidelines intended to minimize risk to inspectors. She stated, 'Announcing the arrival of inspectors, using lights, music, or any other attention-grabbing tactics is expressly forbidden.'

The Incident

The incident occurred on May 25, when two inspectors entered J.J.'s Pub. Initial confusion ensued as a pub employee attempted to charge them the usual $15 cover fee, which inspectors are exempt from. The situation escalated when the employee started walking alongside one of the inspectors, yelling 'liquor inspectors' and gesturing towards them, seemingly attempting to alert others in the pub.

Escalation and Response

The situation quickly soured when one inspector informed the staff that their identities should remain undisclosed for their safety. The employee reacted defiantly, exclaiming, 'I can do whatever the f*** I want in this place.' Unsettled by the chaotic atmosphere, the inspectors decided to leave the establishment.

Defense and Denial

Interestingly, the pub's manager claimed she didn’t hear any foul language and characterized the employee as 'nice and kind,' expressing disbelief that he would use such language. This defense was put to the test when the employee’s notes from the incident were reviewed, revealing inconsistencies between his account and what transpired.

Owner's Sentiment

Pub owner Salvatore Guzzo shared that he feels targeted by the regulation branch, citing a pattern of scrutiny over the past three years. This sentiment resonates with many small business owners who often argue that inspections lead to unnecessary harassment.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Nerys Poole maintained that the pub’s actions put the inspectors' safety in jeopardy and upheld the fine as a necessary consequence. This incident serves as a reminder of the stringent laws governing liquor establishments, which are designed to safeguard the integrity of inspections—not to mention the safety of the inspectors themselves.

Raising Questions

Can businesses like J.J.'s Pub strike a balance between maintaining a lively atmosphere and complying with regulatory requirements? As pubs across B.C. face increasing scrutiny, one must wonder how many more establishments will find themselves in hot water under the watchful eye of liquor inspectors.