On a vibrant section of Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal, Champs Sports Bar underwent renovations and became a popular venue not only for sports viewing but also for karaoke, trivia nights, and dance events, serving as an inclusive space for the city’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. However, in 2022, the bar began receiving noise complaints from its neighboring 10-unit apartment, previously a commercial property.
The bar faced multiple visits from Montreal police and a city noise inspector, leading to civil court proceedings and an investigation by Quebec’s liquor board, the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux. Following a violation where the bar was found to lack the proper permit for dancing, Champs was fined $3,000, mandated to close for five days, and required to install soundproofing. Subsequently, Champs upgraded its sound system, hired an acoustic expert, and implemented soundproofing measures.
Pamela Bernstein, an employee at Champs, expressed frustration at the lengthy and costly process of addressing the complaints. The bar incurred over $30,000 in legal expenses and an additional $14,000 solely for soundproofing. Recently, Champs obtained the necessary permit and can now host dance nights again, albeit restricted to weekends.
Numerous bars and venues in Montreal have encountered significant fines or closure due to noise complaints. Data obtained through a public records request revealed a surge in noise-related calls to the city’s 311 service, with the Plateau and downtown Ville-Marie areas reporting the highest numbers. Bernstein speculated that neighborhood changes might be contributing to the escalation of complaints.
In response to the challenges faced by nightlife establishments, various mayoral candidates and parties have proposed solutions. Transition Montréal, led by Sergio Da Silva, advocates for the appointment of a night mayor and council to mediate disputes, enhance soundproofing assistance, and limit police involvement except for emergencies. Other party leaders, including Luc Rabouin and Soraya Martinez Ferrada, have also pledged to address the issue and implement noise regulations consistent with the city’s nightlife policy.
Jon Weisz, executive director of Les SMAQ, emphasized the economic and cultural significance of small music venues and urged policymakers to recognize their value. Proposed regulations in the Plateau borough could impose hefty fines on venues for noise violations, prompting concerns from industry insiders like Kiva Tanya Stimac, a venue founder. A recent report highlighted the economic benefits of Montreal’s nightlife and recommended safeguarding these venues from new residential developments that could pose threats.
Experts and industry professionals have called for policy changes to protect nightlife establishments, similar to measures implemented in other global cities. McGill University professor Will Straw emphasized the need for better policies to preserve Montreal’s nightlife scene amidst increasing closures due to noise complaints. Bernstein echoed the sentiment, advocating for a balanced approach that considers the area’s reputation for nightlife when addressing sound concerns.