Toronto police break up large downtown party, seize $13K of alcohol

Toronto police broke up a large party at a commercial building downtown over the weekend, charging 24 people and seizing $13,000 worth of alcohol.

In a release, police said they were first called to a laneway near Huron Street and Dundas Street West for reports of a dispute on Sunday at around 1:30 a.m.

When officers arrived they could hear loud music and people partying at a nearby property.

Realizing they were dealing with a large crowd, COVID-19 enforcement teams were called to assist.

Police say around 150 people were inside the commercial building partying without masks on.

Twenty-four people were charged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and $13,000 worth of alcohol was seized.

But police say more charges could be pending as investigators try to identify others in attendance.

“The Toronto Police Service continues to attend gatherings every day and has 16 dedicated enforcement teams which specifically target large gatherings indoors at short-term rentals and businesses, as well as outdoors. Anyone breaching the provincial orders could face a fine of $750 and officers will take steps to disperse and lay charges. Charges can also be laid at a later date.”

Toronto officials expressed their frustration and dismay at the large number of people who gathered indoors while ignoring public health guidelines.

“[Their friends] should be the ones who are the maddest about this kind of behaviour because this is slowing down the process of getting to the day when we can all get together again,” said Mayor John Tory.

“As for the people who did this – $13,000 worth of alcohol is not a couple of people getting together for a beer …so I don’t know what planet these people are on. …I don’t know why people behave in this selfish manner.”