Colombe St-Pierre’s Cantine has been suspended for 25 days due to contraventions related to alcohol storage. This incident took place after police discovered that wine containers from St-Pierre’s previous license were improperly stored at the Cantine Côtière.
Background of Cantine Côtière
During the pandemic, Colombe St-Pierre, a renowned chef, adapted her business model by opening a small cantine. Originally located in a container in front of her restaurant in Rimouski, the Cantine Côtière later moved to a permanent building on Route 132 in Saint-Fabien in 2023. This innovative approach allowed her to continue operations amid challenging conditions.
Incident Overview
On July 4, 2024, law enforcement arrived at Cantine Côtière to inspect the premises. They found bottles of wine stored in the basement, linked to St-Pierre’s original restaurant license. The Régie des alcools determined this practice violated liquor regulations, leading to the seizure of the bottles.
Legal Proceedings
The Régie convened an audience on December 19, 2024, to discuss the violations. The results of this hearing were announced recently. While St-Pierre’s team initially requested an immediate suspension, the Régie opted for timing that would minimize disruption to the business.
Sanction and Future Plans
- Suspension Duration: The cantine’s license will be suspended for 25 days.
- Effective Date: The suspension is set to start on September 15, 2026.
- Reason for Delay: The Régie aims to ensure that the sanction aligns with the seasonality of the business.
Although this incident marks St-Pierre’s first altercation with the liquor control board in over 20 years, her dedication to local products has remained strong. Many in the community express their support for her work with regional seafood and produce.
Despite multiple attempts, communication with St-Pierre was not successful prior to this report.
