Throwing axes at arm’s length in an enclosed space and drinking alcohol are not compatible activities. At least that is the opinion of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), which recently opposed the issuance of a bar permit to a center where this activity is practiced downtown.

The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) effectively refused to grant the permit.

The Rage Academy center on Atateken Street was seeking permission to serve alcoholic beverages to young professionals and business groups who come to throw real, sharp axes at plywood targets. A “memorable experience,” the company promises, which attracts office parties and team-building events.

As with all other bar permit applications in Montreal, the SPVM has been notified.

“The police force submits that the issuance of the liquor license to the plaintiff is contrary to the public interest or is likely to undermine public safety since it would allow the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in an establishment where objects capable of causing serious bodily harm or death are handled,” reads the decision.

The police do not seem to have been convinced that “security measures are in place, including a system of cameras and the presence of a manager and supervisors at all times”.

These measures are effective, however, swore Alex Tsyrfa, head of communications for the company.

“With good supervision from the administration side of the center, it is not dangerous. I can tell you that, ”he said in a telephone interview, saying he relied on visits to similar establishments in Ontario or the United States where you can drink alcohol. “If there is a general safety issue for people, in my opinion, it should be banned everywhere. »

The City of Montreal also opposed the request for a bar permit, this time for zoning reasons.

The RACJ’s decision ultimately did not address the compatibility of ax throwing and alcohol consumption. Faced with opposition from the City, the company changed its application for a bar permit to a restaurant permit. However, these permits can only be granted to establishments that are mainly restaurants, ruled the Régie.

Rage Academy has embarked on a new procedure to obtain a permit from the RACJ, explained Alex Tsyrfa.