EP Taylor’s is a little quieter than usual lately. Students still come in to study or to relax after a long day of classes. They can grab a pop, coffee or food – but not a beer.
EP Taylor’s is under a change of management and with the changes to the name on the liquor license comes a whole host of issues.
Meri Kim Oliver is vice-president of student affairs. She says the agency that oversees liquor licensing needs to be satisfied with the new operator and ensure that person has the necessary qualifications.
“They’ve identified another person who has those qualifications and that new person’s qualifications have been sent to the AGCO for review. As soon as AGCO says whether or not that’s as acceptable person, then they are able to serve alcohol or not,” says Oliver.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the liquor license. All licenses are issued to individuals, business partnerships or corporations, for operation at a specific location.
It’s unclear from the Student Association who is now in charge or who the person is under review for the license.
Ray Kahnert is a spokesperson with the AGCO. He says changing the name on a license can be a long process if all of the qualifications are not met.
Meanwhile, many students are walking further south to St. Louis Wings on Simcoe Street to get a beer after classes.
Bethany Nickoes manages St. Louis pub. She says a dry campus pub has had an impact on their business.
“It does affect us because a lot of people who come in are bringing it up and telling us they come from EP Taylor’s or they usually go to EP Taylor’s but since they can’t drink there they come here to have drinks,” says Nickoes. “That’s how we found out was by word of mouth, from the students coming in.”
The Chronicle has made several requests to the Student Association for clarification. The SA says it cannot comment at this time.
Meanwhile, Oliver says EP Taylor’s is still a busy place regardless of the lack of license.
“Because they haven’t had an active license right now, a lot of clubs and societies have been able to book their functions there in the day time and they’ve actually been busy as a result. It’s actually had a different outcome then expected,” says Oliver.
Oliver says this is not a case of any infractions or rules not being followed. She expects the pub will be back up and running with a license by next semester.
“It’s simply that there are very specific regulations and we have to follow those to ensure the license is maintained.”
