French legislators seek to return rural bars

Legislators in France largely supported the bill, facilitating the opening of bars in villages – a move aimed at reviving social life in small rural communities.

In the voice 156-2 on Monday, MPs decided to loosen strict restrictions on new permits for a bar for the sale of alcohol. The bill still needs the approval of the Senate to become a law.

Proponents say change is necessary for better cementing of social relationships and reducing isolation – but critics warn about health risks through alcoholism.

France has observed a sharp fall of about 200,000 bars and cafes serving alcohol in 1960 to about 36,000 by 2015. Most of the closure were in rural areas.

In France, the Law is required for a type 4 alcohol license to open a bar selling alcoholic beverages, including solid spirits with more than 18% alcohol.

No new similar permits can be provided at this time, and those who plan to open a bar must wait until an existing drink is closed to acquire his license.

The new legislation will allow future leaders of lawyers in communities with less than 3,500 people and without a bar to request a brand new permission without such waiting.

Local mayors would have the last word whether to approve or refuse such requests.

Legislator Guillaume Kasbarir said that “old and outdated legal framework” should be replaced, AFP reported.

He also quotes Fabien di Philippo, another French MP who described the bars as “above all, places for people to gather in many rural areas and in a society where people tend to close themselves.”

The French Health Ministry says that every year about 49,000 deaths in the country are caused by alcohol consumption, describing this as a “major public health problem”.