Man downs 56 shots in fatal binge, Le Starter bar owner charged

Man dies after drinking 56 shots, bar owner on trial for manslaughter.

The landlord of the bar today stands trial to see if he bears any responsibility for Renaud’s death, after Renaud’s daughter Julie decided to bring the case forward.

Previously, the record was written on a blackboard behind the bar of Le Starter.

A Facebook page calling for the closure of Le Starter, which was set up shortly after Renaud’s death, posted a picture apparently taken in the bar, which has Renaud’s record written on it, with the date that he consumed the fatal amount of alcohol written above.

Julie’s lawyer, Antoine Portal, told BFM TV: “The owner served the father of my client when he was not in a fit state to understand what he was doing.”

“It is not known whether he would still be alive if he had not drunk the last 12 shots, but by downing those last shots, he was left with no chance.”

However, the bar owner’s lawyer, Renaud Portejoie, said: “No one forced the client to take on the challenge.”

Speaking to RMC radio, Portejoie said: “When you are the owner of a bar and an order has been placed, you cannot always check who is drinking what. We cannot stand behind every customer.”

“The customers are responsible for themselves as are their families and friends.”

Speaking to La Montagne, Julie said: “I really feel that in the end the boss bears a real responsibility in all this.”

She added: “I hope we will know the truth, and that this drama will open more people’s eyes to the dangers of alcohol.”

Agencies/Canadajournal