Manitoba regulators cracked down on the Jets’ owners after security failures allowed minors with fake IDs to consume alcohol during a high-stakes 2025 Stanley Cup playoff rally.
A year-and-a-half after the fact, True North Sports and Entertainment has been issued a hefty $12,000 fine for negligence after minors using fake identification were served alcohol at a Winnipeg Jets White Out street party.
The incident in question occurred during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Authority of Manitoba issued the fine to TN Arena Limited Partnership following the May 9, 2025 White Out party outside Canada Life Centre. Liquor inspectors at the event observed two minors possessing and consuming alcohol, including one who was visibly intoxicated.
Photo by James Carey LauderAccording to a compliance order obtained by the Winnipeg Free Press, both minors had been given security-issued "18+" wristbands despite presenting expired identification that did not match their appearance. Inspectors also reported inadequate ID checks by security personnel responsible for distributing the wristbands.
The LGCA said its inspectors observed minors possessing or consuming alcohol on five occasions and described the incidents as a "concerning trend" of underage drinking. Bar staff were also found to have served patrons who appeared underage without requesting identification if they were already wearing an 18+ wristband.
The May 9 street party coincided with Game 2 of Winnipeg's second-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars. The Jets earned a 4-0 victory at Canada Life Centre that night to even the series at one game apiece before eventually falling to Dallas in six games.
Along with the fine, True North was ordered to make several changes for future White Out parties. Those measures included more comprehensive ID checks, additional security specifically assigned to liquor compliance, mandatory staff training and wristbands for all patrons of legal drinking age.
Alcohol sales were also limited to one drink per person after the start of games, with bars required to close 10 minutes into the third period.
True North said it worked with the LGCA following the 2025 street parties to review and adjust its procedures.
An LGCA spokesperson confirmed that True North subsequently satisfied all requirements contained in the order and has not received another compliance order since.
