English Version

Whereas:

1. For Montrealers, nightlife is an important leisure activity. Indeed, 18% of the population indicated that they practise activities related to nightlife, placing this type of activity in second place after cinema. [Tourisme Montréal, Le tourisme et la vie nocturne à Montréal].
   
   The film industry has its own one-stop shop, Le Bureau du cinéma et de la télévision de Montréal (BCTM), while night culture has no organization or mechanism of support from the city.
2. In the Montréal Project's electoral platform, it is specified in point 4.14:
   
   Adopt a Montréal Nightlife Charter
   a) Appoint a "Nightlife Manager";
   b) Promote the multiplication of venues, the development of the cultural industry and Montréal's nightlife;
   c) Ensure healthy cohabitation between residents and establishments by adopting noise regulations adapted to urban reality and by establishing soundproofing standards;
   d) Request the Government of Quebec to modernize the Liquor Licence Act;
   e) Study the needs of workers with atypical working hours and modify certain services accordingly, for example by increasing the supply of public transport at night to better serve this segment of the population.
   
   However, no major and targeted public consultation on this subject has taken place.
3. In 2017, through Bill 121, Montreal obtained the status of metropolis of Quebec and an increase in its autonomy and powers, particularly over alcohol selling hours and opening hours, for which no innovative proposals for night culture have been developed.
4. Given the globalized and competitive nature of the nightlife cultural market, current operating hours preventing the sale of alcohol after 3:00 am and forcing the closure of establishments at 4:00 am are blocking the cultural, economic and tourist influence of Montreal's nightlife. The continuous sale of alcohol would ensure the long-term viability of cultural establishments and cultural non-profits operating at night.
5. Current regulations encourage the proliferation of illegal afterhours that serve as important venues for the development of emerging artists, but lack the resources to make their premises safe and adequately soundproofed.
6. The streets of the nightlife districts are invaded at the exit of bars and clubs given that all establishments close at the same time between 3:00 am and 4:00 am, thus creating nuisances and public order problems. The extension of opening hours will allow for a gradual departure and easing of street congestion, in addition to harmonizing with the existing opening hours of the subway.

We ask:

The creation of a consultation table bringing together nightlife stakeholders, residents, as well as representatives of the City whose mandate would be:

1. The holding of a general meeting of Montréal nightlife in order to adopt a strategic plan to guide the development of Montréal nightlife that represents the rights and interests of cultural entrepreneurs and artists working at night;
2. The establishment of criteria for the creation of a one-stop shop to obtain exemptions allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages between 3:00 am and 8:00 am for Reunion permits;
3. The creation of a new category of permanent permits for bars and clubs to provide continuous service of alcoholic beverages.

Prepared by MTL 24/24

June 2, 2019