A new Toronto bar trying to open this summer is asking for residents’ help after one neighbour’s concerns is keeping it from getting a liquor license.
Bosque Broadview is set to open at 940 Broadview Ave. in Toronto’s Danforth neighbourhood this summer, promising to bring a new spot with drinks and snacks.
But besides claiming to be “so close” to its opening date, the establishment hit a bump in the road when trying to obtain its liquor license.
According to a spokesperson for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), last year, a public notice for a liquor sales license for Bosque was held between Sept. 5 and Oct. 2. During this period, the commission received “one objection related to public safety,” which they shared with the establishment.
Now, as part of the process, the AGCO is facilitating an additional public conference call on July 23 to allow “the objector to express their concerns and the applicant will have the opportunity to respond to them.”
Ahead of the meeting next week, the bar posted on Instagram this week with the caption, “hey neighbours, we need your help,” asking residents to fill out a Google Form in support of the business getting the license.
“We need to show that the public supports our application and would welcome a new bar to the area. We need you to show your support for our project,” the bar said.
The bar is appealing to the public, revealing that the owners have invested all of their savings into the business, which they say is now “in jeopardy.”
“We’ve invested the last year and our entire life savings into renovating the space and building a place that we will be proud to welcome you all into, but one of our neighbours has objected to our liquor license application. This has put our personal and business future into jeopardy,” it wrote.
In the comments, many users are sharing their support for the business and speaking out against the neighbour’s objection.
“Signed knowing you will be a great local spot, a respectful neighbour and additive to the community. Best luck,” one Instagram user said.
“People just love to complain,” another user commented.
“Not surprised that a local Karen is putting up a hurdle but please don’t paint us all with the same brush. [The] petition has been signed and [I’m] looking forward to your grand opening!” a different user added.
“Uses like these in the neighbourhood are so important for creating vibrancy and eyes on the street! Signed and can’t wait to visit,” another Instagrammer said.
The AGCO tells Now Toronto that although the Public Notice follow-up meeting is a standard part of their procedure, a single community member’s complaint is unlikely to keep the license from being approved.
“While we always work towards building a consensus, it’s not the case that a licence would be withheld because a single community member remains opposed,” a spokesperson said in an email statement to Now Toronto.
“The AGCO is committed to ensuring that the alcohol sector operates with honesty, integrity and in the broader public interest, with a focus on the safe and responsible sale of alcohol,” they added.
