Dozens of women are pursuing a class action lawsuit against several prominent nightlife companies in Toronto. The lawsuit stems from allegations of negligence related to decades of abuse by a well-known club promoter, Mark Holland. The advocacy group End Violence Everywhere (EVE) announced the proposed lawsuit, claiming that major companies in the nightlife industry knowingly allowed Holland, a convicted sex offender, to work at their venues, putting vulnerable women at risk.

The draft of the lawsuit names Holland and several nightlife companies, including Honeycomb Hospitality, Lobby, INK Entertainment, and Uniq Hospitality. It alleges that these companies collaborated with Holland despite being aware of his past misconduct. According to the draft, “Over the span of nearly two decades, numerous women have reported being sexually assaulted, drugged, or otherwise harmed by Mark Holland.” The document details a pattern where victims were often approached in VIP areas, provided with alcohol or drugs, and then assaulted in secluded locations.

Cait Alexander, the founder of EVE, stated that the lawsuit could be dropped if the companies publicly apologize, take accountability, and sign an agreement with EVE by December 1. She emphasized the long-standing awareness of abuse in the nightlife industry, saying, “The hospitality groups have been hospitable to convicted criminals, supporters and enablers of violent serial offenders, like Holland.” Alexander noted that around 30 women are part of the lawsuit, with more than 20 others alleging abuse by different individuals allowed into the venues.

Holland was convicted of sexual assault in 2020 and is currently on the sex offender registry. The lawsuit aims to prevent him from working in the industry and to establish policies that would keep convicted sex offenders out of the nightlife venues owned by the companies involved.

Honeycomb Hospitality declined to comment on the lawsuit. Other companies named in the suit, including Lobby, INK Entertainment, and Uniq Hospitality, did not respond to requests for comment.

The draft lawsuit seeks damages for sexual battery, emotional trauma, and psychological harm, with the amount to be determined before a hearing. Kathryn Marshall, the attorney representing EVE, criticized the nightlife industry, stating that businesses have turned their venues into “a hunting ground for a predator.” She called for a significant policy overhaul to protect women in these establishments.

The push for the lawsuit gained momentum after Holland was charged with sexual assault by Toronto police in August. Despite being out on bail, he allegedly returned to work in clubs shortly after his release. Holland’s defense attorney, Randall Barrs, stated that Holland’s bail conditions do not restrict his employment. Barrs acknowledged past allegations against Holland but noted that he was acquitted of many charges.

At a recent news conference, two women who allege they were assaulted by Holland shared their experiences. One woman described being assaulted during a photoshoot in 2016, expressing her heartbreak over Holland’s continued presence in the nightlife scene. Another woman recounted her shock upon learning that Holland was still active in the industry despite his history of abuse.

The allegations against Holland date back to the late 1990s, with multiple women coming forward over the years. In 2020, he was convicted of sexual assault related to an incident in 2008. Following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was sentenced in 2022 to 20 years on the sex offender registry and eight months of conditional imprisonment.

The proposed class action lawsuit highlights the systemic failures that have allowed sexual predators to operate within the nightlife industry for decades. The women involved hope to bring attention to these issues and seek justice for the harm they have suffered.