Those going for a drink at Champs Sports Bar on St-Laurent Boulevard will once again be allowed to dance on weekends and holidays. “Our feet are finally loose!” the bar said on social media. Champs had to halt all events related to dancing and karaoke last December following noise complaints from a neighbouring landlord, which led to an inspection from Quebec’s liquor board (RACJ). The bar, a hotspot for Montreal’s LGBTQ+ community, was told it needs an additional licence to allow what the RACJ calls “the practice of dance” in an establishment. These permits mainly regulate nightclubs. Since then, the bar cooperated with the RACJ and other government agencies, added soundproof walls and paid a $3,000 fine. The bar also closed for five days in March as a penalty after the bar was summoned to an RACJ hearing with their neighbour. “After over a year of nonstop back-and-forth with multiple government agencies, endless forms, sound tests, two tribunals, and whole lotta red tape, we finally have some good news: Champs officially has its dance permit,” the bar said. Dance events will be limited to Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. The bar also has to monitor decibel levels at all times and stay within a certain limit. “This process has been long, frustrating, and so complicated. But we didn’t give up, and we’re proud to say we jumped through every hoop, and stuck the landing,” said Champs. “A BIG thank you to everyone who’s stood by us, messaged us, showed up, and supported us through all of this.”
