Laval reception hall closes after repeated violent attacks
Just over a month after police forces launched a joint investigation to fight organized crime in Montreal, a reception hall in Laval has closed its doors for good after being attacked multiple times.
According to the son of the co-owner of Nuit de Beyrouth, there have been four attacks at their business in 8 months.
Kevin Al-Sabek said it all started when the owners refused to pay for so-called "protection."
"We don't want that to happen to any other business from what we've seen this past year, it's been crazy," he told CTV News on Monday.
On March 31, Laval and Montreal police, along with the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) launched Projet Mèche, a joint investigation aimed at fighting organized crime.
At the time, they said in the last 12 months 67 incidents were reported, ranging from extortion to arson, mostly targeting culturally-specific businesses.
Laval police Insp. Kimon Christopoulos (second from right) speaks to reporters on Thursday, March 30, 2023, alongside his colleagues at the Montreal police and the Surete du Quebec about Projet Meche, a new investigation into organized crime in and around the Montreal area. (Olivia O'Malley/CTV News)
Now, the attacks appear to have led to at least one permanent closure of what used to be a booming reception hall for almost a decade.
Al-Sabek is demanding something to be done.
"When we took the place, it was completely empty. We had to do the wall, we had to do the plumbing, the electricity, install the kitchen. We spent all of our savings on the restaurant," he said.
He also called on the police to do more to protect businesses.
Laval police declined CTV News' request for an interview Monday but said in an email that "the safety of our merchants is a priority" and "no form of intimidation or violence will be tolerated."
In the meantime, Nuit de Beyrouth is being dismantled with no plans to reopen.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.