In a significant move aimed at revitalizing rural life in France, a new legislative proposal is gaining traction, spearheaded by MP Guillaume Kasbarian. This initiative seeks to amend an antiquated licensing law that governs the sale of alcohol, intending to facilitate the reopening of bistros, cafés, and bars in small towns.
Kasbarian, representing President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party, has successfully garnered support for his proposal in the National Assembly, where it passed with 156 votes in favor and only two against. The bill is now pending approval from the Senate before it can be enacted into law.
Reviving rural social hubs
The urgency of this proposal is underscored by alarming statistics indicating a dramatic decline in the number of traditional village bistros over the past six decades. Once vibrant centers for social interaction, these establishments have all but disappeared from many rural communities. In 1960, France boasted approximately 200,000 cafés; by 2015, that number had plummeted to just 36,000. A report from the France Boissons industry body and the CREDOC consumer studies agency reveals that this trend is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where many towns now lack any local businesses.
To counteract this trend, Kasbarian aims to simplify the process of obtaining a type-4 alcohol license. Currently, the issuance of new licenses is effectively halted, leaving potential café and bar owners to wait for an existing establishment to close before they can purchase its license for €7,500, followed by a cumbersome administrative approval process. Under the proposed reforms, villages with fewer than 3,500 residents would be able to obtain a license without enduring these lengthy waits.
Addressing concerns about alcohol consumption
Proponents of the bill assert that easing access to alcohol licenses could breathe new life into struggling rural communities, facilitating entrepreneurship and fostering social connections in areas often isolated from larger urban centers. Kasbarian emphasizes the importance of these establishments, stating,
“The goal is to bring life back to villages. In many small towns, there is not a single shop, café, or bistro. Yet, these places are essential for socialising and community engagement.”
However, the proposal is not without its detractors. The left-wing party La France Insoumise has voiced concerns that loosening restrictions could exacerbate issues related to alcoholism. In response, Kasbarian argues that such fears are unfounded, highlighting that 80% of alcohol sales occur in supermarkets, not bars. He asserts,
“In villages without bars, people don’t stop drinking; they simply consume alcohol at home, without any control. Closing bars and cafés does not fight alcoholism; it’s a misleading argument.”
As the debate unfolds, the focus remains on whether this proposed legislation can successfully strike a balance between fostering community life and addressing public health concerns.