In a shocking move aimed at safeguarding patrons, an Alberta judge has urged bars to implement lifesaving measures like heated outdoor shelters and complimentary coat checks. This recommendation comes in the wake of two heartbreaking deaths attributed to hypothermia near the former Ranch Roadhouse, now known as Midway Music Hall.

The chilling report from provincial court Justice Carol Godfrey outlines the grim reality: two men died tragically just a year apart outside the establishment located on Calgary Trail in south Edmonton.

The first victim, 18-year-old university student Tyler Emes, was discovered lifeless in the snow on November 19, 2017. The following year, 20-year-old Mohamed (Mo) Munyeabdi/Abdi faced a similar fate after a night out with friends at the Ranch. Unbeknownst to him, his entitlement to a safe ride home was significantly jeopardized as he left the bar without a jacket.

Heartbreakingly, Abdi's body was later found partially frozen under a car at a nearby dealership, highlighting the dire consequences of inadequate safety measures.

In a response that many will see as necessary and overdue, Justice Godfrey's recommendations include the installation of heated shelters or dry-out rooms at bars and nightclubs, as well as the introduction of free coat checks and the surveillance of premises with security cameras.

Furthermore, she called on Alberta's liquor authority to create comprehensive policies addressing cold weather issues, hypothermia risks, and the impacts of alcohol consumption. This includes defining over-serving and ensuring that intoxicated patrons have reliable and safe transportation arrangements.

Jesse Kupina, owner of The Ranch, acknowledged during the fatality hearing that while the bar did not have a designated area for managing intoxicated guests, there was a heated area available in 2017 and 2018.

This pivotal recommendation seeks to prevent future tragedies, placing a stark spotlight on the responsibilities of nightlife venues in protecting their patrons against the unforgiving cold. Will Alberta’s bars heed this call to action? The safety of countless lives hangs in the balance.