Video showing Toronto restaurant patrons crammed together triggers probe

A popular Toronto restaurant is under investigation after a video released on social media over the weekend appeared to show patrons and staff failing to follow COVID-19 public health rules.

Mayor John Tory has confirmed that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has launched an investigation into MARBL, located in the city's downtown.

A video originally published to Instagram showsof patrons crammed into a partially outdoor seating section while surrounded by unmasked employees carrying drinks.

Jake Kivan, a reporter for The Canadian Press, posted the video to his Twitter account:

Many social media users called on local and provincial authorities to strip the bar of its liquor licence.

MARBL confirmed in a statementthat the video was authentic, but insisted it did not show the restaurant was breaking public health rules.