Montreal could introduce 24-hour nightlife in a new policy in the spring of 2024, according to a new report.
Earlier this month, Radio-Canada published an article stating that Montreal's local government intends to ratify “long-awaited” nightlife policies that will be followed by “concrete action.” A notable result of these policies is the designation of an area where night entertainment businesses can operate “24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
According to information, the Latin Quarter is considered the first area where the pilot project will begin. The area, once bustling with cultural activity, has increasingly been abandoned by tenants in recent years, a phenomenon new policies aim to tackle. Venues in the area are open until 3am.
Authorities reportedly intend to allow 24-hour nightlife in downtown areas if the policy is successful in the Latin Quarter.
A number of local organizations have been fighting to allow 24-hour nightlife in Montreal over the past year, including MTL 24/24, which is pushing for policies that ensure the viability of local nightlife.
In May the non-profit organized a party called “NON STOP”, which lasted 36 hours and marked the first party of its kind in Montreal. According to the event description, the party aimed to “[provide] a framework for the nightlife economic sector and [structure] the offer of night life of the metropolis”.
Talking to you Mixmag, MTL 24/24 co-founder Matthieu Gordin expressed that it was not sustainable for businesses to stop selling alcohol after 3am as stipulated by the city's older nightlife policies. “I think the main problem right now is gentrification, the loss of space to gentrification and inflation. Accessibility, affordability issues,” he said.
“People say, 'Oh, kids don't drink as much as the older generation,' but at the same time, they just can't afford to drink. A beer isn't $3 anymore, it's $12.”
Radio Canada The report also outlines other proposals under Montreal's new nightlife policies. One such proposal included assigning noise regulations to performance venues according to their location, in order to “promote performance venues with respect for the peace and tranquility of citizens.” In addition, the city is proposing to ban residential construction near performance venues.
In 2022, the city invested $2.1 million to develop local nightlife culture, with the intention of launching 15 pilot programs, including one that allows 24-hour nightlife in the Latin Quarter, alongside a program that provides soundproofing in performance spaces with fewer seats. from 400 people.
