The Gleaner’s article, “The Patsies of Parkdale,” states that some area business owners are dissatisfied. If the Gleaner were to survey all the business owners from Triller to Beaty, the two blocks where Grace Place and Skadarlija are located, they would find that the great majority of them are dissatisfied, disheartened, and discouraged by these two bars. Some are thinking of moving their businesses from the area, because of the frequent problems they and their customers face from Grace Place and Skadarlija.

It should be noted that while many of the members of the West Parkdale Neighbours Group are business owners, most are residents of the area. Many residents have had displeasing experiences while walking past these two establishments. Some are afraid to walk past them at certain times of the day.

Mr Sri stated” “I’m here about eight years, I not have any problems, now after this guy Poor John move in, he don’t like my customer.” Mr Sri neglected to mention that for the first five of those years the establishment was a restaurant, “Skadarlija Gourmet European Cuisine.”

When Mr Sri’s bar, the notorious Bel Cafe across the street at 1521 Queen St W., was closed three years ago for numerous drug, prostitution, and other criminal activities, he took over Skadarlija, kept the name, and moved in the Bel Cafe’s pool table and clientele. It was then that “this guy Poor John” and many other people began to complain.

The Gleaner may wish to interview the business owners surrounding Grace Place, to hear the accounts of fighting, window breaking, urination, and vomiting outside of that establishment. The stories will be the same as those of the owners surrounding Skadarlija, with only the throat slitting at Grace Place added for colour.

If the Gleaner were to do procure the police reports on these two establishments through Freedom of Information requests, and show them to Mr Sri, Mr Zhang, Mr Hanuman, and Mr Perks, these four gentleman would have some explaining to do.

Thank you.

Clair Culliford

Gord Perks’ claim that there isn’t much that the owners of the establishments can do once their patrons leave is trite. The owners could practice the Smart Serve guidelines they’re trained in and not over serve their patrons.

I don’t see people falling down drunk or brawling on Roncessvales or further down Queen Street. This is a problem that’s unique to these two locations.

If these two owners want less headaches, they should invest in their businesses and attract a better customer. Profit will follow.