Published Apr 16, 2025 • Last updated 9 hours ago • 2 minute readThe Royal Canadian Legion branch 138 in Sydney, commonly called the Ashby Legion.A Cape Breton legion’s liquor licence has been suspended for overserving a man who was later allegedly killed outside the premises.The Royal Canadian Legion branch 138 in Sydney, which is licensed to serve alcohol as the Ashby Legion, was investigated by the province’s alcohol regulator following the death of Keith McMullen, who was found unconscious near the intersection of Duke and State streets in Sydney on May 10, 2024.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentMcMullen, 51, was taken by ambulance to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital where he later died. Cape Breton Regional Police subsequently charged his brother-in-law Jason Caines with manslaughter.A Nova Scotia Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division compliance officer reviewed CCTV footage of the interior and exterior of the legion premises and observed both men arriving at the legion at 6:47 p.m. showing no signs of intoxication.Two hours later, McMullen comes out of the legion and is seen vaping a substance and swaying unsteadily on his feet. He enters and exits the legion a dozen more times staggering and stumbling.The compliance officer concluded that McMullen “displayed signs of intoxication by alcohol” and that there was a “lack of door control,” with multiple people seen smoking within four metres of an entrance, and patrons seen removing alcohol from the premises.After reviewing the licensee’s membership register and guest book, the compliance officer also determined that neither men were members of the club and did not sign in as guests on May 10, 2024, contrary to the requirements of the liquor licence regulations.Article contentINTOXICATED WOMANA month earlier, the same compliance officer was conducting an inspection at the Ashby Legion and observed a woman being served shooters and beers multiple times despite showing clear signs of intoxication.That woman was later escorted off the premises by police.As a result of the investigations, the Nova Scotia Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division suspended the legion’s liquor and gaming licences for 14 days. The suspension began April 6 and ends April 19.The Nova Scotia Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division also added several conditions to the Ashby Legion licence, including that the legion is responsible for having approved door staff during high-risk events; its video surveillance system camera placement and angles have to be approved by the regulator and footage stored for a minimum of 10 days; and the licensee must have a minimum of one approved principal for the business on the licensed premises whenever the premises are open for business.Article content
Cape Breton legion’s liquor licence suspended after investigation into man’s death
