The owner of the Burgundy Lion pub is in the sights of the Quebec Office of the French Language (OQLF), who ordered him to add “elements in French” to the brand of his restaurant-bar.
“The OQLF decided that the name Burgundy is English, and that, ignoring the historical and cultural meaning of the name” Little Burgundy “(English appellation of the Petite-Bourgogne district)”, deplored in a Facebook publication Toby Lyle, owner of the establishment located in the district of South West, in Montreal.
According to him, the residents of this district refer to it almost exclusively by the English name. “Petite-Bourgogne is the official name [du quartier]”, He concedes,” but no one who lives there calls him so, “he told City News in an interview.
“The brand has been the same for 17 years and we have never had any problems before,” he adds.
Recall that new display rules under Bill 96, entry into force from June 1, demand that French predominate by at least twice on any other language on commercial brands.
Although Mr. Lyle has agreed to correct certain linguistic offenses on his website after reports from the OQLF, he deems “exaggerated” the modification of the brand of his establishment, in place since 2008.
This is why he responded to the organization responsible for promoting the French language, which he refused to change it because of its “historical and cultural meaning”.
In a statement transmitted to City News, the OQLF said that “the Burgundy Lion pub is registered with the Office and began its francization process […] Discussions have been started with the company ”.
No final decision concerning the compliance of the brand was rendered by the OQLF.
