La Rosa's Bakery in Kensington Market.Peter Power/The Globe and Mail
La Rosa's Bakery in the Kensington Market area of Toronto is known for its custard tarts and espresso, but police allege its owner was also making money on the side by selling moonshine.
On Monday, police received several complaints from people who said they had become sick after drinking the clear liquor. An undercover officer went into the Augusta Avenue business and allegedly bought a $4.50 cup of coffee with a little of the brew in it; police said the bakery was also serving it straight up.
Police promptly raided the shop, seizing four litre bottles of the stuff, along with beer and money, they said.
"Because there were health concerns, we had to act on it quickly," said Detective-Sergeant Brian Kelly at nearby 14 Division, whose investigators carried out the raid. "It was potent; I would say [the alcohol content]is very high."
It's not known when or where the substance was produced, what was in it or exactly what its alcohol content is, police said. They have sent it to be tested in a lab.
Det. Sgt. Kelly said people "from all walks of life" in the bohemian neighbourhood were buying the alleged alcohol and getting sick from it.
"My understanding is it was [causing]very violent diarrhea and a loss of motor skills," he said, adding that the case is very rare.
David Tavares, 58, faces four charges under the provincial Liquor Licence Act, including the unlawful sale of liquor and supplying alcohol in a form that is not liquor. He will appear in court in August.
While his company has a business licence, it is not licensed to sell liquor, police said. The bakery remains open.
Adrian Morrow