The City of Montreal is rolling out a new nightlife label for spots that mix culture, music and safety allowing nightclubs and other venues to stay open late.
In an announcement late March, Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s administration announced the creation of three nightlife hubs across the city. Twenty-four establishments in those neighbourhoods have also been granted the approval so far.
The certification allows for extended hours during pre-authorized events, in some cases, letting venues stay open as late as 6 a.m., with special permission to serve past the usual 3 a.m. last call.
“I think the big win here is that it brings nightlife into safe, regulated establishments where people have facilities like fire exits and clean washrooms,” said Patrick Gregoire, owner of Bar Datcha and Kabinet, one of the 24 locations, to date, to receive the certification.
In a statement to CityNews, the City said, “Montreal is a major metropolis, renowned for its vibrant energy and unique nightlife, which contribute significantly to its international appeal and attractiveness. Our administration wants to support and celebrate this nightlife and, above all, those who bring it to life, particularly in the Quartier des Spectacles, on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, and in the Village.”
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Max Honigmann, communications officer at MTL 24/24, an organization that advocates for nightlife policy in the city, said that it was encouraging to see the “outdated and very restrictive regulations” being revised.
“Some people are night workers, they finish at midnight, they don’t want to get to an event at 1.30 a.m. and it’s ending like an hour and a half later,” Honigmann added.
Montrealers told CityNews that the City’s decision would be good for both partygoers and businesses.
Flo Martel said, “I think Montreal is a pretty huge night life city. So it’s just normal to normalize it.”
“For people who love it why not? Why not and its probably good for business also,” said Raphaël Bélanger.
“I think it’s great to bring life back,” said Noémie Brunet-Bolduc. “In Europe, things go until 7 a.m.”
