Montreal Bar Receives 40-Day Liquor License Suspension After Police Incidents
Café Bar Sasha in St-Léonard borough penalized following multiple interventions involving Hells Angels members and violent disturbances
A bar in the city’s St-Léonard borough has received a 40-day liquor license suspension following multiple police interventions where officers reported being assaulted and threatened by patrons with known links to organized crime and street gangs.
The decision was handed down by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ), Quebec’s liquor board, against Café Bar Sasha on Bélanger St. The ruling underscores the persistent challenge law enforcement faces in monitoring establishments frequented by major criminal organizations in the greater Montreal area.
The RACJ’s ruling stems from a series of reported breaches of public peace, particularly highlighting a chaotic incident that occurred in April 2024.
According to a police summons submitted to the board, Montreal police officers—including specialized units that investigate violent crime—arrived at the bar and immediately noticed the presence of several individuals with criminal records and known affiliations.
The situation quickly escalated:
Key Incident Details
- Hells Angels Present: Among those present were two full-patch members of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMGs), reportedly wearing winged skull pendants. One of the members allegedly became aggressive and shoved a police officer who attempted to speak with him.
- Mass Disturbance: An individual with a lengthy record for violence and drug offences had to be subdued after resisting arrest, assaulting officers, and threatening to urinate on them.
- Patrons Attack Police: A large disturbance followed, involving approximately 30 patrons who allegedly participated in a commotion by throwing objects, including bottles, glasses, buckets, and ice cubes, at the police. Two officers were reportedly struck as they withdrew from the establishment. Police were forced to use pepper spray and telescopic batons to disperse the aggressive crowd.
Legal Outcome: The RACJ concluded that these events called into question the licensee’s ability to operate competently and honestly, ultimately issuing the 40-day suspension.
The bar’s owner has reportedly reached an agreement with the liquor board to implement enhanced security measures following the suspension period.
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