An investigation by fire officials has led to the closure of One Eyed Jack Restaurant and Bar in Kingston, Ontario, due to an illegal apartment discovered in its basement. The discovery came during an inspection earlier this month, where authorities found a room with beds and three individuals sleeping. Kingston Fire & Rescue’s chief fire prevention officer, Ted Posadowski, stated that the basement unit resembled an apartment and had six beds with three occupants at the time of the inspection. He emphasized that an immediate threat to life was issued, requiring the removal of the individuals, bedding, and personal belongings from the basement. Posadowski elaborated that the basement setup included a living room, bathroom, and laundry facilities. He further highlighted the various fire and life safety hazards associated with sleeping in the restaurant’s basement. The location of the apartment in relation to the commercial kitchen and the unexpected presence of occupants in the basement would have significantly impacted the response and decision-making of firefighters in an emergency. Officials from the police, public health, and the city’s building department were also present during the April 5th inspection. However, the police have since confirmed that they are not pursuing further investigation, as they determined that no criminal activity had occurred. The closure of One Eyed Jack Restaurant and Bar serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and building codes to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants and the community.
Illegal Apartment in Restaurant Basement Prompts Closure
