TORONTO, ONTARIO -- The Comfort Zone, a local Toronto restaurant operating for the past 12 years has filed an $11M Statement of Claim in Ontario Superior Court alleging that the City of Toronto and Councillor Adam Vaughan have conspired to harass, defame, injure and cause economic hardship to its business through unreasonable and discriminatory actions. The claim further alleges there has been a concerted and premeditated conspiracy with law enforcement and Toronto licensing offices to effectively close the business permanently.
The Comfort Zone has been a target of Councillor Vaughan and police for over a year with both claiming publicly their resolve to have the restaurant shut down. It has been alleged by Vaughan and the police, that ownership, management and patrons have links to organized crime, gangs, drugs and guns. These claims have not been substantiated nor have there been criminal charges laid to support the allegations.
The restaurant continues to be the focus of regular police harassment, badgering of customers both verbally and physically, increased inspections, by law enforcement infractions and licensing violations.
The Comfort Zone alleges that law enforcement, by law officials, the City of Toronto and Adam Vaughan have used their powers and authority in an excessive and abusive manner in an attempt to influence the landlord, staff, patrons and community neighbors in a conspired effort to shut the business down. The business has suffered significant loss of sales as customers are regularly exposed to physical and verbal intimidation by police, searches and threats as they leave the Comfort Zone each night. A pending sale of the business earlier this year was also affected adversely by the negative light cast on the business in the press, constant inspections, police harassment and recent licensing issues that are currently before the courts.
The Comfort Zone, its owners, management and staff have not been convicted of any criminal charges notwithstanding Vaughan's efforts to portray the business as a haven for illegal activities. Monies reported by the media as proceeds from the sale or distribution of drugs and guns that were confiscated during police raids have since been returned to the business and determined to be legitimate revenues and unrelated to any alleged links to drugs, gangs, or weapons.
"It's time for us to tell our side of the story" the Company states. "Politicians and bureaucrats including police must be held accountable for unreasonable and malicious actions that treat one business differently than another, and our staff and customers have been constantly intimidated and treated unfairly at every level. "
"We have individual rights protected by our laws and those rights must be undeniably respected at all costs. We just want to be able to operate our restaurant legally and peacefully, and receive the same treatment as everyone else".
The Comfort Zone is located at the corner of Spadina Ave. and College Street in Toronto. It is a 19 and over venue and is considered to have some of the finest local and international DJ's in the music industry.
Marvin J. Huberman, a specialist in civil litigation is representing The Comfort Zone in its lawsuit.
Inquires can be directed to:
Joel Sandler
Media Relations
647 238 7999
joelsandler@rogers.blackberry.net
