Third Bar Closed for Smoking Violations
September 9, 2005

The city licensing committee has ordered a two-week closure of the Engine House Saloon on Barton Street for repeated violations of the no smoking bylaw.

The committee rejected the owners' argument that they are operating as part of a private club - the Heritage Bicycle Club of America - and are therefore exempt from the city bylaw. A similar defence was recently rejected from Bar 56 on James North in July which claimed to be part of the same bicycle club and also got a two week suspension.

The Da-Nite Tavern in Stoney Creek was ordered closed for a month in July, but is appealing the decision.

The most recent city decision requires the Engine House to close from September 15 to September 28. The bar and its owners have previously been convicted three times for allowing smoking in their establishment. Each charge carried a $380 fine.

The owners also appear to have paid the Heritage Bicycle Club a hefty sum to try to get around the bylaw - at least $2600 in 2004 - and have received a bill for a further $3500 for continuing 'membership' this year. They asked if the Bicycle Club president could be charged by police with fraud but were advised they may have to launch a personal lawsuit against its president instead.