Ottawa bar liquor licence suspended after guns seized

Savanna Bar in Ottawa on Jan. 21, 2025. (CTV News Ottawa)

A downtown Ottawa bar has had its liquor licence suspended for its “conduct and ongoing safety concerns” following a compliance inspection earlier this month.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) says it conducted an inspection of Savanna Lounge at 145 Besserer St. with assistance from Ottawa police officers on Jan. 12 at approximately 3 a.m.

The Ottawa police says two loaded handguns were seized during the inspection. One person was arrested on multiple firearms charges as a result.

Regulators say there were about 120 patrons inside the premises at the time and “observed the signs of service and consumption of alcohol had not been cleared.”

According to provincial liquor laws, all orders for liquor must be served before 2 a.m. (3 a.m. on New Year’s Eve) and all signs of liquor have to be cleared 45 minutes after the end of service.

“As a result of the licensee’s conduct and ongoing public safety concerns, the Registrar has also ordered an immediate suspension of their licence,” the AGCO said in a news release.

The bar is described as an “upscale lounge and contemporary kitchen” and “Ottawa’s newest hot spot” on its Facebook page. Its website is no longer active.

The business allegedly violated three provisions of the Liquor Licence and Control Act, including hindering, obstructing, or refusing to provide information relevant to the inspection.

The owners will have the right to appeal the decision.