Guns, sexual assault and the presence of organized crime at a strip bar for six years: Chez Parée, a popular downtown Montreal institution, had its license revoked for nearly two weeks this winter. According to authorities, the location was frequented by “outlaw motorcycle gangs.”
Posted at 1:31 p.m.
The Stanley Street facility had been called in by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) due to several worrying events observed by SPVM teams between 2017 and 2023.
Administrative Law Judge Natalia Ouellette last December approved the joint proposal to impose a $30,000 fine and a 15-day liquor license suspension.
“Police observed on 40 occasions the presence of members of outlaw motorcycle gangs at the facility, some of whom wore distinctive signs associated with their gang,” the RACJ decision said.
During several visits, the authorities identified several people of interest known to the police, some of whom were part of organized crime.
No search for entry
According to SPVM, during a private party that brings together suspected members of an “outlaw biker gang,” guests enjoy privileged treatment: They enter the establishment without having to wait in line or walk through. through the search.
Aggressive customers, fights, sexual assaults, attacks on police officers: According to court documents, violent incidents occurred 13 times at Chez Parée. “In one case, a client was the victim of a sexual assault by another client at the facility. In another case, a dancer is the victim of an attack by a customer,” we summarize.
On 11 occasions over six years, SPVM agents noticed customers walking around the bar or nearby with a firearm or assault weapon. On four occasions the police found that customers were in possession of drugs.
The private security agency also discovers that a bouncer at the facility is unlicensed.
Increased security in the future
The administration of Chez Parée is committed to strengthening security and surveillance in its facility. The conditions to be met include the presence of at least three bouncers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and at special events that attract a larger audience.
The owner, John Barile, also pledged to deny entry to the bar to people likely to cause violence problems, as well as people carrying clear signs identifying them with a street gang or biker gang. criminals.