Unlovable Bar Toronto

Unlovable loses liquor license during NXNE

Unlovable, the popular basement bar near Dundas and Gladstone, is in the midst of a battle to avoid entrance into the deadpool. Cited by police for being over-capacity on June 15 while hosting bands playing NXNE, the establishment's liquor license has been suspended indefinitely. That seems like a rather harsh penalty for a violation that must happen with some regularity around the city, but according to the bright yellow notice currently posted on the front door, "past conduct" might have also played a role in the shutdown.

The initial reaction from the bar to the suspension was as gloomy as the Smiths song after which it's named. A short note posted to Facebook read that Unlovable was "no more" in the wake of the previous day's events. Although we've yet to make contact with co-owner Jamal Watson, a subsequent post indicates a change of heart took place over the weekend. In it, he promises to do his "best to get this thing figured out and [to] open as soon as possible."

Following the revocation of a liquor license, businesses have 15 days to request an appeal of the decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, a quasi-judicial panel that presides over provincial licensing matters. There's no guarantee that Unlovable will win its case, of course, but ownership has yet to throw in the proverbial towel — and that's a good thing. The bar is currently looking for photos from Thursday night to help build its case.

Update (3:00 p.m.)

Phédre and Beta Frontiers have both released new tracks to help raise funds for Unlovable's appeal. More on this here.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Dessert spot shuts original location and goes all-in on Toronto's new food hall

Toronto restaurant that opened with big buzz has permanently closed

5 tiramisu in Toronto you need to try at least once

Justin Trudeau showed up to eat at a Toronto restaurant this week

Pick-your-own strawberries at farms in Ontario open for the season this month

Win free ice cream for the summer and a Chapman's chest freezer

People in Ontario have mixed feelings about The Beer Store's monopoly ending

The 10 hottest new bars in Toronto right now