City orders troublesome Cecil Hotel tavern closed

The City of Calgary has shut down the notorious bar at the downtown Cecil Hotel, agreeing with police who said the establishment creates a high level of risk to public safety.

The city's chief licence inspector suspended the bar's business licence on Tuesday afternoon, after a review hearing that took place over six days in October and November.

The suspension means the bar must close immediately, but the hotel part of the 96-year-old building is not affected and can remain open.

"There were very serious breaches that were identified by Calgary Police Service and other agencies. The chief and licence inspector in that capacity felt that it was appropriate to withdraw the licensing for that establishment," said Mayor Dave Bronconnier.

The Cecil Hotel was built in 1912 to cater to labourers, but the rundown building has become notorious in recent years, with regular arrests at the bar for illegal drugs, prostitution and other crime.

Police said they responded to about 1,700 calls to the hotel last year.

The Calgary police submitted its case to the city that the bar subjected the safety, health and welfare of the public to high risk.

There have also been complaints from nearby residents.

"We've had a number of complaints not adhering to city bylaws, issues and safety concerns from Calgary Police Service and other city agencies," said Bronconnier.

There were renewed calls to close the hotel after the stabbing death of Derrick Lee Fourhorns, 24, at the bar in October.

The owners of the Cecil can file an appeal within 30 days, and can ask that the licence be reinstated if they show that the inspector's concerns have been addressed.

The city has been negotiating to buy the Cecil, and possibly turn it into affordable housing units and revitalize the East Village area; however, the mayor said the two issues are not related.

He said there will be an update on those negotiations next Monday.