After getting several noise complaints, the Plateau bar is worried that La Tulipe may close
“We need to understand that operating a bar and restaurant can be noisy, especially after 11 PM when the streets are quieter,” he said.
Soundproofing the windows at Name’s on the Way restaurant and bar in Montreal’s Plateau is just one measure the owners have taken to address noise complaints.
Despite these efforts, co-owner Renaud Lambert warns that their liquor license is at risk, as they face court proceedings for allegedly disturbing the peace.
This situation follows the temporary closure of La Tulipe, a nearby music hall, due to a court order stemming from a noise complaint.
Lambert believes that Name’s on the Way could face a similar fate. “In court, we’re fighting for our bar permit, which has been here for over 50 years,” he said.
“If we lose our bar permit, we have to close down and lose all our investments. It’s really hard to operate a bar in Montreal, especially in the Plateau.”
To raise awareness and support, Lambert launched an online petition that has gathered over 3,000 signatures. “We tried to work with the city and other stakeholders, but nothing changed,” he explained.
“We felt tied, so we believe that by bringing attention to this, we can help change the legislation regarding noise complaints, which currently makes it nearly impossible for us to operate.”
The restaurant has invested tens of thousands of dollars in updating its audio systems to minimize noise. They have also implemented security measures, limited the size of opening nights, and even rented out the apartment above the establishment.
Additionally, they installed a decibel reader to monitor sound levels during music events.
However, these efforts have not stopped the fines from accumulating; Lambert reported receiving fines of up to $1,500 nearly every weekend for the past two years, primarily from a few neighbors.
“We need to understand that operating a bar and restaurant can be noisy, especially after 11 PM when the streets are quieter,” he said.
Following La Tulipe's recent closure, which was announced after a Quebec Court of Appeal ruling mandated it to prevent any noise from being heard by neighboring residents, Lambert expressed frustration.
“When I saw that, it really frustrated me. We didn’t want to face the same consequences as them. La Tulipe is a fantastic venue that should not be closed right now.”
On Wednesday, Plateau-Mont-Royal borough Mayor Luc Rabouin clarified that the court’s ruling was based on an interpretation of borough bylaws meant to handle disputes regarding indoor and outdoor noise.
The city planned an emergency session to create exemptions for music halls, bars, and restaurants, with changes expected to be adopted on October 8, just before Lambert's first court date on October 15.
“This decision addresses the concerns raised and could impact the situation at Name’s,” the borough stated. “The borough is in contact with the owner and is committed to finding balanced solutions to ensure harmonious cohabitation while maintaining the quality of life for neighbors.”
Lambert remains optimistic about the potential bylaw change. “It will change how everything is handled in court, and I believe we can achieve something positive from it.
We’re grateful that this is moving quickly, and we don’t want other bars to endure what we are currently experiencing.”
