This Montreal Starbucks Was Hit With A $2,500 Fine From The MAPAQ

"The premises must be free of contaminants."

Starbucks employees working behind the counter. Right: The exterior of the Starbucks located in Montreal, Quebec.

Starbucks employees working behind the counter. Right: The exterior of the Starbucks located in Montreal, Quebec.

Tea | Dreamstime, Google Maps
Assistant Editor

As of March 2024, tens of Montreal restaurants, cafés and bars have been hit with infractions from the MAPAQ (Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation Quebec), for reasons including sanitation issues, staff hygiene, food quality as well as preparation and processing standards.

After inspecting a popular Starbucks in Montreal, the MAPAQ fined the café $2,500 after failing to meet the MAPAQ's inspection team's quality control.

The Montreal Starbucks was added to the list of fined restaurants across Quebec on February 23, 2024. However, it's best to note that the inspection and fine were given on September 6, 2023.

What You Need To Know: The Montreal Starbucks that received the $2,500 fine is located at 180 boul. Crémazie E., bordering the Trans-Canada Highway. The fine was given via the MAPAQ and Montreal's Municipal Court.

The exterior of a Montreal Starbucks that received a $2,500 fine from the MAPAQ.The exterior of a Montreal Starbucks that received a $2,500 fine from the MAPAQ.Google Maps

According to the notice, the Montreal Starbucks on Crémazie received the fine due to failure to keep the restaurant clean. "The premises or vehicle must be free of contaminants, pollutants, any species of animal, including insects and rodents, or their excrement," the MAPAQ indicated.

In Case You Didn't Know: While the infraction was given last fall, there is often a delay between the fine and publishing the warning on the MAPAQ website. Nevertheless, the provincial health agency has assured Quebec residents that there is no longer a risk to their health.

"As soon as a violation is detected in an establishment, the operator must take the corrective measures requested by the inspector. If not, legal action may be taken as soon as the subsequent audit is carried out. Inspectors then follow up to ensure that risk control is maintained at the facility," explains the Ministry.

MTL Blog reached out to Starbucks Canada for more information. The multinational coffee chain can confirm it took "immediate action to resolve the matter and that Starbucks always strives to provide a clean and safe environment at all Starbucks stores."

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

  • Mike Chaar
  • Assistant Editor

    Mike Chaar was an assistant editor & writer for MTL Blog. You might recognize him from bylines in Men's Health, FanSided, Contiki, and ScreenRant, to name a few. Mike's work has also appeared on the 'Real Housewives' and 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' When Mike isn't typing away, you can find him at his fave sushi spot, listening to one of Mariah Carey's 19 number-one hits or creating content.

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