Montreal police are trying to stop the reopening of a firebombed bar in the city's east end, claiming it would be a risk to public security.
Café Ferrari manager Vincenzo Padula has asked the provincial liquor board to reinstate his alcohol license which was revoked after a series of violent attacks at his establishment.
During hearings held this week, police representatives testified they believe the bar was involved in a drug-trafficking network tied to street gangs in the region.
Montreal Sgt.-Det. Jean-Claude Gauthier told the board he believes street gang members preyed on the bar in an ongoing turf war to control the local drug trade.
The Rivière-des-Prairies bar was firebombed in November 2009.
It has since been attacked several times, including during a gunfire incident in May 2010.
Authorities shut down the café last summer, after police requested an emergency hearing at the provincial liquor board.
Gauthier testified his gang sources told him they are after Padula because of bad business dealings.
Police wouldn't say whether Padula is under investigation, but insisted that public safety would be jeopardized if the bar were to open again.
The liquor board hearings continue until Thursday.
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