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Friday, January 25, 2008 - The St. James Pub, once a popular lunchtime venue for stockbrokers and shipping agents in Old Montreal, has lost its liquor licence for at least three months.
The suspension is another blow to the St. Jacques St. club, described in police testimony as a gathering spot for street-gang members and the scene of fights, arson and attempted murder.
Remodelled into a chic dance bar after the original pub shut down, the new club was ordered closed in November.
The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux, the provincial regulatory agency, ruled the club was a danger to public safety.
On Jan. 18, the agency ruled that suspending the club's licence for at least three months is "the only appropriate way to protect public safety."
A scene in the movie Confessions of a Dangerous Mind was shot on location at the refurbished club in 2002.
Among incidents cited for the original closing:
Attempted murder on Nov. 4, in which four people were wounded, one by bullets and the others by knives. Patrons were in possession of drugs.
Arson on Aug. 3, which partly destroyed the club.
A gang fight July 28 outside the club in which three people were stabbed.
Fights inside and outside the club July 18 involving known street-gang members. One person was arrested with a loaded .25-calibre pistol.
Twenty-three noise complaints from January to June last year; on six occasions police found the club was overcrowded.
The new St. James club was first opened and operated by Giuseppe Franchini, but effective control was later turned over to Michal O'Hayon and her husband, Amir Toledano.
Franchini told police in November the liquor permit remained in his name, but since summer of the lease was in the name of O'Hayon. Franchini said Toledano never transferred the liquor permit to his name.
Toledano, who has been convicted of assault and extortion, was seen at the club with known criminals, the Régie said.
His brother, Eyal Toledano, was arraigned on March 13, 2006, on a charge of importing cocaine. He is awaiting trial.
IRWIN BLOCK
The Gazette
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