Mississauga nightclub shut down for two weeks after five shootings, other violence

A popular Mississauga nightclub that’s been the scene of five shootings among dozens of violent incidents has been shut down for two weeks.

HER nightclub, located at Eglinton Ave. E. and Dixie Rd., was issued a Notice of Suspension yesterday (Sept. 8) by the City of Mississauga.

The two-week closure takes effect starting today (Sept. 9).

“Yesterday afternoon, Mississauga Enforcement issued a Notice of Suspension to Entice Ultra Club/Her Nightclub,” a statement from Mississauga’s enforcement director Mike Foley reads. “The suspension takes effect Friday, Sept. 9 at 12:01 a.m. and will be in place…until Sept. 22. During the suspension period, Entice Ultra Club/Her Nightclub must cease operations and will be provided with conditions they must comply with in order to retain their Adult Entertainment Operating Licence and Eatery Licence.”

Peel Regional Police have responded to more than two dozen violent incidents at the east-end nightclub since January 2021, the most recent a double shooting last weekend (Sept. 4) that sent one man to hospital in critical condition.

A second man suffered less serious injuries in what was the fifth shooting at HER nightclub this year.

Faced with continued and escalating violence at the nightclub, police announced on Aug 12 that they were increasing patrols in the area of the nightclub to try mitigate further incidents.

“The elevated police resources allocated to responding to calls for service at this establishment impact our ability to respond to other priority calls promptly,” police said at the time, adding they were also issuing a public warning to people to be aware of the safety risks associated with the club.

Mayor Bonnie Crombie said in a statement issued today (Sept. 9) that the club is being temporarily shut down out of a concern for public safety.

“Given the recurring issues and risk to public safety at HER nightclub, the City has taken steps to suspend its business license for a period of 14 days. As a City, we are doing what is within our power and jurisdiction to address the ongoing safety concerns and help keep our residents safe,” Crombie said in her statement.

“Gun and gang violence has no place in our city and threatens the lives of not only those involved, but the safety of innocent bystanders who may find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Crombie went on to note that police have responded to numerous calls in and around the club “…that involve illegal guns, gangs, drugs and disorderly behaviour. This behaviour has become so concerning that they recently issued a public safety alert urging people not to attend this establishment. I ask residents to continue to heed this advice and urge the owners to comply with this suspension.

“I will continue to make public safety a top priority and want to thank Peel police and City bylaw for their efforts to keep residents safe and find solutions to protect the community and prevent violence in our community.”