Statement on Behalf of Zlatko Starkovski, Owner of Muzik

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 1, 2014) - Muzik has been operating at Exhibition Place for eight years and in that time has welcomed more than one million patrons, including celebrities, sports stars and everyday Torontonians.

We have been and continue to be in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We have an excellent operating record and we pride ourselves on offering our patrons and staff a secure and welcoming environment where safety is a top priority.

Recently, Mayor Rob Ford has been among our guests, attending events with hundreds of other patrons.

In each case Mayor Ford paid his own way and any interactions with me were of a purely social nature. Contrary to what has been reported in the media, Mayor Ford and I are not close and have never had an interaction outside a professional setting. In fact, he has only attended Muzik nightclub three times since January. My company provided the sale and service of alcohol to Ford Fest events in the summer, as we do at a number of large events in the city, and we did so for a fee.

Comments in the media attributed to me about Mayor Ford's status at Muzik are totally false.

I have never seen Mayor Ford use illicit drugs in my club and I and my staff do not tolerate illegal activity of any kind on our premises.

I will not be making any further comment on this matter.