Photo credit: Unsplash / Alexandr Popov
The idea of extending the legal sales hours of alcohol for on-site consumption in certain sectors of Montreal is raising reservations among bar owners.
If some people wonder if it’s really worth it to keep their establishment open all night, others wonder how much it will cost them and whether such a policy won’t drive partygoers away from the Metropolis’ famous underground parties.
In March, the city of Montreal held public consultations on a draft nightlife policy aimed at attracting tourists and revitalizing the local economy. For example, the municipal authorities want to “allow the adjustment of business opening hours to optimize the commercial offer and stimulate economic activity in lively neighborhoods at night”.
“Not much good happens after 5 a.m.,” agrees Sergio Da Silva, owner of the popular Turbo Haus bar, located in Montreal’s entertainment district.
After 3am customers are ‘too drunk’
In recent years, the city has sometimes allowed Turbo Haus and other bars to sell alcohol after 3 a.m. With every opportunity, the establishment and its employees made more money. Being able to stay open past 3 a.m. is a nice way to extend the night “if the timing is right,” Mr. Da Silva says.
He doesn’t want his branch to be open after 3am, because by then the customers have already done what they need to do. “They are too drunk or drunk. It’s a good time for everyone to go home. »
In recent years, Montreal has sometimes allowed businesses to stay open all night, most notably during the annual Nuit Blanche. For example, Casa del Popolo, an establishment located in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, closed at 5 a.m. during the last Nuit Blanche in February.
Owner Mauro Pezzente says he didn’t make much money, but it was easier for him to close his business because everyone was ready to leave. “Nobody stuck around. Nobody complained. No one asked for an extra drink,” says Mr. Pezzente.
Up to $676 million more in the local economy
The famous underground Montreal parties, illegal and often cheap, have been around for decades. It’s even an open secret. Da Silva worries that if alcohol sales are allowed more frequently and in more locations for 24 hours, it could eliminate these underground parties.
“If money is involved, we call the police to deal with the troublemakers,” he says. When you invest in an event, you don’t want to organize those fun, authentic underground parties. We want people to come to his sponsored rave. »
In 2020, MTL 24/24 published a report comparing Montreal to two other cities famous for their nightlife, Berlin and Amsterdam. The letter predicted that if the percentage of tourists coming to metropolitan Quebec increased from 22%, as was the case in 2019, to 33%, it would inject up to $676 million into the local economy.
A spokesperson for the Plante government indicated that the report on the public consultations should be published as planned in June. According to him, all participants will be satisfied.
(with the Canadian Press)