Montreal store struggling to get alcohol permit, SPVM says it’s opposed

The Marché Shanaj has taken over the space vacated by Le Chat Perlé on Milton Street. (Photo: Devin Ashton-Beaucage)

The addition of a new alcohol outlet in Milton-Parc, a neighbourhood grappling with cohabitation issues, is drawing criticism from residents and Montreal police (SPVM).

The SPVM says it plans to oppose an alcohol permit for Marché Shanaj, which recently moved to 273 Milton St., near the intersection of Park Avenue.

“We believe alcohol sales in this area contribute to behaviours that may be concerning for residents,” said Cmdr. Sylvain Malo, head of Station 38.

He points to an increased risk of dangerous behaviour and violence after Montreal’s ombudsperson examined the situation in Milton-Parc and denounced “a humanitarian crisis in the heart of the metropolis” in a report published in May 2022.

“It’s important to understand that Milton-Parc is currently facing very significant challenges,” Malo said.

He cites longstanding cohabitation issues between housed and unhoused residents, which he attributes to the housing and opioid crises, as well as mental health challenges.

Case to be reviewed

Marché Shanaj states that it sells beer and wine.

However, as of April 21, no alcohol permits have been issued for its new address, according to the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ).

A permit is still listed under its former location at 1000 Sherbrooke St. West.

If found guilty of a first offence, the business could face a fine ranging from $1,225 to $6,075 under Quebec’s Act respecting offences relating to alcoholic beverages.

In the event of a repeat offence, fines could reach up to $24,300.

Store owner Shanaj Begum says he has complied with government requirements, but adds that without revenue from alcohol sales, his business will struggle to survive.

“I invested a lot of money. I’m on the floor every day. It’s a lot of work. I have a small family. I need to survive,” he said.

Malo says his stance follows complaints from residents, including at a recent Plateau-Mont-Royal borough council meeting.

“People don’t want alcohol sales at this location. We agree with that,” he said. “The SPVM will act as a bridge between residents and the RACJ, which could ask its tribunal to review the case.”

The board’s mandate includes “protecting the public interest, safety and peace,” as well as issuing sanctions or notices to permit holders who fail to meet obligations.

“The RACJ will want to hear from residents about what they are experiencing,” Malo said. “I think this is an opportunity to say there is already enough alcohol availability in the area.”

Screening customers

Several other alcohol outlets are located within minutes — even seconds — of Marché Shanaj.

The law prohibits them from selling alcohol to intoxicated individuals, including through a third party.

At the Couche-Tard convenience store on the corner of Sherbrooke Street and Park Avenue, staff confirmed they do not sell alcohol to people who appear intoxicated.

At the Metro grocery store in Galeries du Parc, the owner said security guards screen individuals as they enter.

“We don’t sell at all to homeless people. We don’t let them into the store because they’re already quite intoxicated,” said Johny Bélair.

While the law prohibits the sale of alcohol to intoxicated individuals, Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms stipulates that a person cannot be denied entry to a business based on their social condition.

At Marché Shanaj, Begum says he also avoids selling alcohol to people experiencing homelessness.

He says the products he sells are unlikely to appeal to that population due to their price and alcohol content.

By Devin Ashton-Beaucage, Local Journalism Initiative, Mon Plateau