Vancouver bar owner convicted of sexual assault fails to get liquor licence back

WARNING: This story contains details of sexual assault.

A Vancouver bar owner convicted of sexually assaulting a woman at his business has failed to get his liquor licence back.

This week, the general manager of B.C.'s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch said Chih Hwa Leo Chow, the owner of the Brickhouse Late Nite Bistro and Bar, has proven "that his character renders him an unfit and improper" liquor licence holder.

"It would be an abdication of the General Manager's duty to protect the public if he were to allow the licence to persist," the branch said in its response to Chow's court petition.

Chow, 68, was convicted last year of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman who had stopped by his bar in 2022. Court heard that Chow penetrated the woman with his fingers without consent and forced her to touch his penis.

Chow said he has retained lawyers to appeal his conviction, according to his petition.

Chow is currently facing charges of sexual assault, unlawful confinement or imprisonment and administering a noxious substance to a person in relation to an offence that allegedly happened in January 2024.

None of the allegations have been tested in court. Chow is not in custody and is due in court on May 20 in relation to those charges.

Chow's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment from CBC News.

'Not fit' to hold licence 

Chow's liquor licence was cancelled effective May 2 because of the sexual assault conviction and because the liquor branch determined he was "not fit" to hold a liquor licence.

Chow argued that prior to the criminal matter, he and his bar "enjoyed an unblemished record of compliance with provincial liquor laws" for more than 30 years.

Chow said he has not returned to the bar since February 2024 and that his business has continued to operate responsibly under separate management. He said he doesn't intend to return to the business in any operational capacity.

He had asked the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to consider transferring the liquor licence instead of cancelling it outright.

Chow called the branch's refusal to do that "draconian" and claims it deprives him of his ability to sell his bar.

"The safety of the public is not enhanced by denying Mr. Chow the ability to sell the Brickhouse and transfer the licence to a third party who is agreeable to the Branch," Chow argued in his petition.

In its response, the branch said Chow's claim about not being able to sell his bar was "speculative" and that the decision to cancel the licence doesn't have any impact on Chow's assets, including his rights under the lease.

The branch said if a new person takes over the bar, the branch will have to determine that they're a suitable licensee, regardless of whether they are transferred the liquor licence or apply for a new one.

If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. If you're affected by family or intimate partner violence, you can look for help through crisis lines and local support services. ​​