Mint Bar, which has been the subject of numerous complaints by area residents, was recently convicted on one charge of operating a nightclub without a licence. Located at 173 Eglinton Ave. E., the establishment faces one further charge of operating a nightclub without a licence and one charge for a noise violation — charges that have not yet been proven.
Olga Kusztelska, a City of Toronto: Municipal Licensing and Standards spokesperson, said the local establishment was fined as a result of the conviction.
“We generally respond to complaints, but also, when time permits, we revisit locations that we have received complaints about on a frequent basis.”
Gus Michaels, manager of investigation services at municipal licensing and standards, said the city does not pursue closure orders without a reasonable prospect of success, which usually requires multiple convictions.
Coun. Josh Matlow is frustrated by the lack of tools available to deal with the problem, but he’s doing what he can. His said his office continues to receive complaints from local residents on a regular basis.
“They need to understand that they cannot operate a nightclub illegally in our community, and they’re going to keep feeling pressure until they either obey the laws or get out,” he said.
Mark Karam, vice-president and general counsel at Menkes, which recently acquired the property, said he was aware of the conviction.
“We have put the tenant on notice,” Karam said. “At this point, it’s their responsibility to either confirm that they’re complying with bylaws or, in fact, they’ve ceased and desisted from carrying on their illegal operation.”
On its website, Mint Bar is billed as “a great alternative to downtown clubbing,” and says, “Mint Bar takes a fresh approach to the clubbing experience.”
The owner of Mint Bar did not respond to a request for an interview before press time.
