Opening of the terraces: Where are we today?

A sigh of relief for the catering sector, bars and restaurants were able to reopen after 6 months of closure, but only on the terrace. The French art of living is resuming its habits, theaters, cinema and museums have reopened their doors under certain conditions. It is therefore strongly recommended to book.

Since May 19, bars and restaurants have the right to reopen their establishments only on terraces. The Ministry of the Economy has published a health protocol which has applied since the reopening of establishments.

However, restaurateurs for whom compliance with the reception gauge would be too restrictive can use 100% of their tables outdoors. The condition is to place between them plexiglass, screen or foliage type partitions. This measure is suitable for small terraces, with less than 10 tables.

At the time of the 2nd phase of deconfinement, from May 19 to June 9 (curfew at 9 p.m.), and of the 3rd phase from June 9 to June 30 (curfew at 11 p.m.), these devices will no longer be mandatory, but highly recommended. After June 30, we expect a return to normality.

The rules to follow

For everything to go well, it will be necessary to respect the gauges, the sanitary protocol, the schedules and the residents. The police will come to enforce these conditions, under penalty of a fine. The curfew is delayed from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (everything must be finished by this time).

Wearing a mask is compulsory from the age of 11 for any movement to or from a table on the terrace, and to go to the toilets (the only movement authorized inside the establishment).
No more than 6 people at the same table, including children.
It is forbidden to consume while standing.
Mandatory payment at the consumer table
Promote the use of the contactless credit card
What about in Paris?

The Parisian population has rediscovered the smile and its habits but it was necessary to reserve a table to satisfy their desires. Some establishments have decided to remain closed for lack of profitability, the weather being uncertain.

To obtain a terrace extension, you must first apply to the town hall. This can apply to parking spaces (except deliveries and spaces for the disabled, but also in front of neighboring shops. You must still leave a passage for pedestrians. In Paris, the regulations are 10 years old.

For the reopening of the terraces on May 19, the free extension is possible until June 30, 2021. As of July 1, new regulations will govern their installation. From now on, installation and use must remain respectful.

For these possible locations, traders must refer to the traders’ charter of commitments which must be signed and displayed in front of each extended terrace.

Bad students

In some districts, the terraces have invaded the sidewalks. This is the case with rue Montorgueil (75001), place de la Contrescarpe (75005), the Bastille district (75011 and 75012), the banks of the St Martin canal (75010) or rue Lepic (75018). In these neighborhoods, restaurant owners are advised not to take orders after 8:30 p.m. and to bring the bill in the same time slot so that certain indelicate people do not leave without paying in haste. However, no instructions were issued.

The residents do not want to see the abuse of last year recurring (schedules not respected, music too loud, not to mention the slalom between 2 tables to access its front door.

This year, the mayors have already received piles of letters since May 20, following these incivilities. Many revelers continued to have fun after 9 p.m. curfew time.

Restaurant owners risk a fine ranging from 500 to 7,500 euros if their customers are still in place when the curfew schedule is exceeded. In the event of a repeat offense, the establishment risks administrative closure.

And in the provinces?

Lille, became champion of France by beating Angers (2/1) and ahead of PSG who beat Brest (2/0). It was an opportunity for LOSC supporters to celebrate Sunday evening, the victory despite the curfew and the recommendations of the prefect and the ARS.

We could hear « We are the champions! »; « Who does not jump is not Lille! » in a raging crowd who had forgotten the barrier gestures in the midst of smoke and firecrackers. As in Paris, ephemeral terraces are authorized.

The conditions for patio extensions and fines are the same as in the capital.

In several cities, the first day of the reopening of the terraces degenerated after the curfew. In Rennes, nearly a thousand people organized a mini rave party. The police intervened at 10 p.m. using tear gas and rubber bullets. The revelers had lit a fire with pallets, construction equipment and bar furniture.

Bordeaux: the « celebrations » continued well after the time of the curfew (few masks and distancing)
Amiens: the police asked 3 bars to close at 8 p.m., the gauge being largely exceeded and customers alcoholic.
Marseille: the police have issued several verbalizations to 135 euros to recalcitrant customers and latecomers.
On the beaches: the straw huts have opened their doors on terraces, with their feet in the sand. The « Paparazzo » in Gruissan is an example. In 10 years, the straw hut, which looks like a popular canteen, has become one of the most relaxed and popular places to live on the Aude coast. It also welcomes its customers to its Rooftop, smaller and more cozy, with its upholstered benches.

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