On a lively stretch of Montreal’s Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the newly revamped Champs Sports Bar had become a favorite destination for various events beyond sports viewing, including karaoke, trivia nights, and dance parties, catering to the diverse 2SLGBTQ+ community in the city.
However, starting in 2022, the bar began to face a series of noise complaints from its neighboring 10-unit apartment building, which had previously been a commercial property until the early 2010s. This led to multiple visits from Montreal police and a city noise inspector, as well as legal action and scrutiny from Quebec’s liquor board, the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux.
Following an investigation, Champs was found to lack the necessary permit for dancing activities and was consequently fined $3,000. The bar was also mandated to shut down for five days, implement soundproofing measures, modify its sound system, and engage an acoustic expert to assess noise levels.
Pamela Bernstein, an employee at Champs, expressed frustration at the complex and expensive process the bar had to endure to address the complaints.
After spending over $30,000 on legal expenses and an additional $14,000 solely on soundproofing, Champs finally obtained its official permit recently, allowing it to resume hosting dance nights, albeit only on weekends.
Numerous other bars and venues in Montreal have also faced substantial fines or closure due to noise complaints, with an increase in calls to the city’s 311 service recorded in recent years. The Plateau and downtown Ville-Marie boroughs reported the highest numbers of noise-related requests.
The changing demographic of the neighborhood has been speculated as a contributing factor to the surge in complaints, with newcomers potentially less tolerant of nighttime noise compared to previous residents.
Several initiatives have been proposed to address the ongoing noise dispute, with different political parties in the municipal election presenting varied approaches, including the establishment of a night mayor and council to mediate conflicts and enhance soundproofing assistance programs.
Industry stakeholders, such as Jon Weisz of Les SMAQ, emphasized the importance of recognizing nightlife venues as integral components of the city’s economy and culture, advocating for policies that preserve these spaces while balancing the needs of residents.
Efforts to protect Montreal’s nightlife scene have been recommended by a recent report, citing the significant economic contributions and cultural value generated by the sector. Suggestions include safeguarding nightlife establishments from punitive measures arising from new residential developments and zoning changes.
Calls for implementing regulations akin to those in cities like London, Melbourne, and San Francisco have emerged, aiming to shield nightlife venues from undue restrictions due to subsequent residential developments or zoning alterations.
Academics and industry insiders underscore the necessity for Montreal to adopt policies that support and safeguard its vibrant nightlife scene, emphasizing the importance of establishing reasonable noise tolerance in areas known for their nighttime activities.