Trendy Griffintown pizzeria's permits suspended after Quebec liquor board ruling
CTV
Moretti Pizzeria in Montreal's Griffintown neighbourhood, that was no stranger to police stops, fights and organized crime member visits has has its permits suspended for 25 days following a ruling from the liquor control board (RACJ).
A pizzeria in Montreal's trendy Griffintown neighbourhood, that was no stranger to police stops, fights and organized crime member visits has has its permits suspended for 25 days following a ruling from the liquor control board (RACJ).
The RACJ administrative tribunal ruling cited the presence of a firearm in the kitchen, frequent visits by organized crime figures, assaults, shootings and "several breaches of public peace and safety" at Pizzeria Moretti on Wellington Street over the past five years.
The ruling was based on information from the Montreal police (SPVM) Eclipse squad, which monitors establishments and collects information on organized crime.
"It allegedly tolerated the recurring presence of members of organized crime in the establishment," reads the ruling, citing testimony from several SPVM Eclipse squad officers. "The fact that an establishment is frequented by individuals affiliated with organized crime is likely not only to disturb public tranquillity, but also jeopardize public safety."
Administrative judges Guillaume Brien and Natalia Ouellette noted that no proof showed owner Nicola Monaco was or is a part of organized crime or that he had any links to any criminal acts, and that he could not know the background of all of his clients.
The restaurant clientele, as noted in the ruling, is mostly "young, well-to-do professionals looking for the unique experience that his [Monaco] establishment offers," and that the proportion of persons who went to Moretti police investigated was low.
"In short, it's a trendy place attracting a foodie clientele who like to go out," the document reads.
