The Regie de l'Alcool has rejected a motion by the Montreal police to close a St. Laurent Blvd. nightclub.

They appeared before the liquor board on Friday asking for Muzique's liquor licence to be revoked.

Police said they were hoping for a temporary revocation pending a review of the bar, and hoped for a permanent removal of the liquor licence.

The request comes after Monday morning's shooting of a man police described as a known gang member.

Michael Duchard, 30, was shot on Roy St. near St. Laurent as he was boarding a taxi, and police are worried the man's friends and associates will retaliate. Police say Duchard is affiliated with gangs.

On Thursday police tracked down a suspect in the shooting, and arrested him in Laval following a foot chase. That man is due in court Friday.

Police said that Muzique attracts organized criminals, with one officer saying "not only are street gangs hanging out there, but all members of other organized crime organizations."

During more than 10 hours yesterday, the liquor board heard testimony from police officers.

 

The bar owners defended themselves, claiming that their staff are in no position to determine who may be a gangster when they come in.

Owners also said they will take steps to prevent any repeat incidents.

Municipal councillor Alex Norris has been trying for years to get the bar closed, saying he frequently fields complaints from nearby residents upset with the frequent noise and late-night fights.

"I think it's become urgent to shut this site down," said Norris.

"It's really become a blight on the neighbourhood."