Corkage in Quebec

[ademello]

Just wondering if anyone knows EXACTLY what the rules are regarding corkage in Montreal. While I've never asked, I get the impression that this is either illegal or simply not tolerated here. I am differentiating between corkage and BYOB since BYOB restaurants are not licensed. Is corkage legal in Quebec and if so, which restaurants allow it?

[carswell]

The Publications du Québec site is down, so I can't cite chapter and verse, but "licensed" restaurants (the quotation marks are because BYOs are also licensed) can sell only alcoholic beverages they have purchased from the SAQ. The bottles sport a special sticker and agents of the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux have been known to poke through restaurant garbage bins in search of stickerless flasks. The fines for non-compliance are stiff (hundreds to thousands of dollars and eventual loss of licence). In other words, no corkage. Bummer, eh? Especially for a zin lover...

I believe there is a single loophole: if a prearranged party alone occupies a separate room or takes over the entire restaurant, the event is considered catered and the patrons can provide the liquor.

Some wine lovers with connections are said to have convinced some restaurateurs to illegally serve wines they've brought, and corkage in such cases is said to run $15 to $20 a bottle plus a tasting glass or two for the wine steward and/or owner.

I don't think BYOs are prevented from charging corkage but I've never heard of one that does.

The relevant legislation, the Act Respecting Liquor Permits and the Act Respecting Offences Relating to Alcoholic Beverages, can be downloaded free of charge from the Publications du Québec website, provided it's functioning, that is.

edit: Don't quote me on that loophole until I can check the legislation, OK?

Edited January 28, 2005 by carswell (log)

[ademello]

Ahh... you are a true genius - you read my mind on my next question! So theoretically, if I rent out an entire restaurant for an event, provided that I can convince the restaurant owners, I could serve wine from my private collection? I'll be sure to check that web site when its back up.

Too bad about corkage but it's what I assumed.

[carswell]

So theoretically, if I rent out an entire restaurant for an event, provided that I can convince the restaurant owners, I could serve wine from my private collection?

←

That's my understanding based on what a couple of restaurateurs have told me. Also, it would explain how wine groups are able to hold tastings and wine dinners in licensed establishments when the events involve bottles from private collections. But I've not read the Act from end to end, which is why you should take all this with a grain of salt. Surely one of our chef/owner members can confirm or deny.

[wizpers]

The owner of the restaurant have to get a 'permis de reunion' .

[carswell]

The owner of the restaurant have to get a 'permis de reunion' .

←

Yes! How could that have slipped my mind? It's why the event has to be prearranged.

How many hoops do they make the owner jump through? What's the normal delay before the permit is issued? How much does it cost?