Threats against Montreal music festival put liquor license in limbo on opening night
A music festival underway in Montreal this weekend faced losing its liquor license due to security concerns.
Montreal police (SPVM) say threats were made against the organizers of Metro Metro Festival—and the festival itself.
The three-day event, which kicked off Friday at Olympic Park, features some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Lil Wayne, Jack Harlow and Lil Baby.
That same day, an emergency hearing was held before Quebec’s liquor control board (RACJ) as police wanted the festival’s liquor license revoked.
Two sources had informed police about ongoing threats against one of the festival’s organizers, according to documents CTV obtained from a lawyer for the liquor board.
Police also said threats were made against the festival itself.
In the end, Metro Metro managed to keep its license, allowing the show to go on as planned.
In a statement to CTV News, the board states, “We issued a permit for the Metro Metro Festival […] The police did not object.”
However, a liquor board spokesperson says police only objected after receiving information about the threats the following day.
Montreal police say officers are at the festival to help with security but would not confirm if more were added due to the threats.
A festival spokesperson was not available for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer
As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year.
Azerbaijan observes day of mourning for air crash victims as speculation mount about its cause
Azerbaijan on Thursday observed a nationwide day of mourning for the victims of the plane crash that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured as speculation mounted about a possible cause of the disaster that remained unknown.
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Prayers and tears mark 20 years since the Indian Ocean tsunami that killed some 230,000 people
People gathered in prayer and visited mass graves in Indonesia’s Aceh province on Thursday to mark 20 years since the massive Indian Ocean tsunami hit the region in one of modern history’s worst natural disasters.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.