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Two fired from Earls amid criminal investigation

Whitehorse RCMP are investigating an incident that is alleged to have occurred after hours at Earls Restaurant in the early morning of Aug. 9.

Whitehorse RCMP are investigating an incident that is alleged to have occurred after hours at Earls Restaurant in the early morning of Aug. 9.

Police have launched a criminal investigation with the specialized response unit and the general investigation section, but are releasing few other details about the incident due to the “sensitive nature of this investigation.” The specialized response unit typically investigates cases of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Rich Thompson, CEO of Northern Vision Development, the restaurant’s majority owner, said the alleged incident involved a manager, a supervisor, and a previous employee who were in the restaurant after hours.

He wouldn’t give many other details, but said alcohol was involved.

He also said the company has asked for and received the resignation of the manager and supervisor.

“We’re proud of the services we deliver and we’re very, very disappointed in the actions of these two individuals,” he said.

Earls Restaurant made headlines earlier this year when its liquor licence was suspended for nine days following an after-hours staff party. At the time, the restaurant was charged with eight breaches of the territory’s liquor laws, including serving alcohol to minors and obstructing liquor inspectors.

Thompson said the manager alleged to have been involved in this latest incident was also involved in the staff party in the spring. At the time, the company decided not to fire him.

“They wanted to give the manager an opportunity to redeem himself,” he said. “The trust in giving a second chance was misplaced, obviously.”

Thompson said the manager would have been fired for this latest incident regardless of his involvement in the party this spring.

He said surveillance video has been turned over to police, and that the company will be reviewing its procedures to see if it can “do anything differently going forward.”

No charges had been laid as of Wednesday. Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to call Whitehorse RCMP at 867-667-5555.