The Boardwalk Pub has been the centre of controversy since its contract with the city was renewed earlier this year. The Boardwalk Pub has been the centre of controversy since its contract with the city was renewed earlier this year. (Kimberley Gale/CBC)

A Toronto pub owner is threatening a lawsuit against mayoral candidate Rob Ford, who, he says, made libellous comments that have damaged his reputation.

George Foulidis, who operates the Boardwalk Pub near Coxwell Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard East, says Ford made "false allegations against me and accuses me of being a criminal."

Foulidis wants an apology. If he doesn't get one, he says he'll sue Ford for unspecified damages.

Ford's allegations "are unfounded, they're irresponsible, they're reckless, they are false, they are lies and with a political agenda," Foulidis said Thursday.

At issue are comments Ford made to the Toronto Sun in August about the city's renewed contract with Foulidis's company Tuggs Inc. to run the Boardwalk Pub.

The controversial candidate told the Sun editorial board the contract "stinks to high heaven: and "smacks of civic corruption."

Foulidis said at a news conference the comments have damaged his reputation, hurt his business and caused embarrassment to his wife and family.

"Mr. Ford, I'm challenging you here today to do what's right — to apologize to me, [my] family, and to come forth because it's the right thing to do."

The lawsuit, Foulidis said, will be dropped if he's satisfied with Ford's apology.

Asked if he was supporting any of the mayoral candidates in the October election Foulidis said, "no."

"Obviously, I'm not supporting Mr. Ford."

The Ford campaign told CBC News the candidate was standing by his earlier statements that the lease deal was handled in an unaccountable way and was not transparent.