Quebec Is Moving To Ban Karaoke, The Bar Owners' Association Says

But the government hasn't publicly confirmed yet...
Quebec City Bar Kirouac's COVID-19 Outbreak Is Now Linked To 50 Cases
Google Maps
Senior Writer

Bad news for karaoke fans, good news for those who can't stand it: Quebec is expected to ban karaoke soon, a representative from La Corporation des Propriétaires de Bars, Brasseries et Tavernes du Québec (CPBBTQ) told MTL Blog.

CPBBTQ spokesperson Jean Jacques Beauchamp said the association's president, Renaud Poulin, was informed of the decision by government officials Thursday morning — and that the organization was not consulted beforehand.

Editor's Choice: Quebec Is Going To Start Fining The 'Irresponsible' People Who Refuse To Wear Masks

“

For some of us, [karaoke is] our biggest night in the week. It's an activity for people. It's good. And we're treated like criminals. 

Jean Jacques Beauchamp

This news comes on the heels of more than 50 COVID-19 cases being linked to a Quebec City karaoke bar called Kirouac.

Beauchamp said the karaoke ban is an additional factor that could contribute to the CPBBTQ's estimation that 500-600 Quebec bars will close at the hands of COVID-19, resulting in layoffs of up to 2,500 people. 

"What justification is there to ban karaoke? Before banning there are other possibilities," Beauchamp said, who suggested cleaning the microphone between singers or using a protective cover on the microphone.

Beauchamp, who owns La Chic Régal in Pointe-St-Charles, said the association doesn't know exactly when the ban will come into effect, "but it will come."

The government has yet to publicly confirm, though.

banpeoplekaraoke
MontrealNewsNews
  • Ilana Belfer
  • Ilana Belfer

    Editor

    Ilana Belfer (she/her) was an editor for MTL Blog. She's obsessed with great storytelling in all its forms having worked in print, radio, television, theatre, and digital media over the past decade. A graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, her words have appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Kit, VICE, Salon, Foodism TO & more — covering everything from cam girls to COVID-19. Ilana can usually be found with her dog André, tracking down Montreal’s prettiest ruelles vertes and tastiest treats.

Here's why some Montrealers aren't happy about Quebec's new retail hours law

Starting next week, stores in Quebec can stay open much later on weekends.

When you should actually take off your winter tires in Quebec, according to a meteorologist

"Snow is still possible into the end of March and even into April."

Montreal's La Ronde was just sold in a $342M deal and changes could be coming

"Our priority is to ensure a smooth transition."

Montreal stores can stay open later starting this month (even on Sundays)

Quebec is one of the only places in North America that still legislates store opening hours.

This Montreal grocery store was just hit with $14,500 in food safety fines

The store was handed three separate fines last month.

Canadian passport fees are going up this month — Here's how much more you'll pay

Getting your application in before the end of the month means you won't pay the new rates.

Super C vs. Walmart: Which grocery store is actually cheaper for Quebec shoppers?

There was a clear winner.

The STM is hiring for summer 2026 and some jobs pay over $33 an hour

Training is paid too.

'Quebec poutine cheese' could soon get a special designation to protect the squeak

The cheese would have protected status like Champagne and Bordeaux wine.