What began as a language inspection at a Montreal pub turned into a dispute over identity, cultural history, and the limits of Quebec’s new French-language rules—before ending in a reversal from the province’s language watchdog.

Earlier this summer, the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) visited Montreal’s Burgundy Lion Pub in Little Burgundy and told co-owner Toby Lyle the word “Burgundy” on its sign needed more prominent French under Bill 96.

Bill 96

Since Bill 96 took effect in June, businesses across Quebec have been adjusting to stricter French-language rules. Signage visible from outside must now pair any non-French name with larger French text. Anonymous complaints can trigger inspections, and violations carry fines of up to $30,000 a day.

In the Burgundy Lion case, the inspector deemed “Pub” and “Lion” acceptable, but flagged “Burgundy” as problematic. Lyle said he was also asked to change whisky region names, like the Highlands. “These are geographical names that cannot be translated into French,” he said, according to a report by Harry North for The Montreal Gazette.

A walkback

At first, the OQLF confirmed that it had visited in July as part of the francization process, but said it had not finalized any decision. By August 14, the agency reversed its position per The Gazette report.

“Certain documents should not have been sent, and it was premature to request changes,” the OQLF said in a statement. “After analysis, it appears that the posting is compliant.” The office called the situation “unfortunate” and said it would work to prevent similar incidents.

In a phone interview with The Gazette, Lyle confirmed that the OQLF had since apologized and allowed both the sign and the whisky names to remain unchanged. “Common sense prevailed,” he said to North.

Not the first dispute

For Lyle, the saga carried echoes of past battles. During a “Pastagate” controversy over Italian restaurant menus, he said one of his other establishments faced a similar demand to replace “Fish and Chips” with “poisson et frites.” They eventually withdrew that order.

Read Harry North’s full report for The Gazette here: https://www.montrealgazette.com/news/article1101707.html