That’s it for the late night hangs, cheap corndogs and good vibes that were so well curated by those who ran Smith’s Pub on Courtney Street.
On Thursday, April 11th, one of downtown’s best watering holes, Smith’s Pub officially and permanently closed after posting a notice on their door thanking their patrons for their support.
The notice they left on their door read:
“It’s been a great run, a very great run, and we’re so appreciative to all our staff, friends and customers and everyone who supported us over the last 17 years.”
“We didn’t want to go out like this but things happen.”
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As soon as word got out on the closure, people turned online for answers and speculation as to why one of the city’s favourite spots had closed.
Earlier in the week, the business had posted on Instagram about trivia night taking place on Thursday at the pub, and has yet to post anything on social media about the closure.
Some people have been speculating online claiming Smith’s Pub’s assets were frozen overnight and they were forced to close immediately, giving their staff same day notice of termination.
Many have expressed that 2024 will be a year in which many small local businesses may be forced to close.
This is in part due to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans being due in January, which made several businesses have to pay back money they didn’t have, or not pay them back at all.
Aside from the speculation, most people have been expressing true and heartfelt loss over the pub closing its doors.
Until the owners or management come out and say what happened to force their hand like this, it is unclear why exactly the abrupt close came about.
