Closing of nightclubs: faced with the anger of professionals, Bercy promises a "concrete and rapid response"

Faced with the disco of discos, the government reacts quickly.

Stunned by the announcement of the Prime Minister, Jean Castex, on Monday, of their closure for four weeks from Friday, December 10, professionals in the sector immediately demanded substantial aid.

During a negotiation meeting, held early Tuesday afternoon with Alain Griset, Secretary of State for SMEs, Bercy promised a "concrete and rapid response".

The government has proposed a return to partial activity, with no out-of-pocket costs for the company, for all the employees of the 1,200 nightclubs.

The sector represents 30,000 direct jobs.

Bosses could also benefit from full coverage of their fixed costs (rent, electricity, etc.).

"Nothing is decided yet, we are still at the stage of discussions", we slip in the entourage of Alain Griset.

Read also Covid-19: schools, teleworking, discos and Christmas parties ... what to remember from Jean Castex's announcements

For their part, the unions, "all on the same wavelength", believe that this is the "bare minimum", while December is proving to be one of the best times of the year.

The representatives of the sector demanded the return of the solidarity fund, with support for 30% of the lost turnover.

An option for the moment "rather excluded", we say to Bercy.

“Business survival is at stake!

warns Franck Trouet, spokesperson for the National Group of Independents (GNI).

If we stick to fixed costs, we would have to review all that at the beginning of January.

In my opinion, that will not be enough!

The scheme does not cover the significant revenues that we make at this time of the year.

"

The question of repayment of loans guaranteed by the State

Another request from professionals: a six-month moratorium on loans guaranteed by the State. This would be to postpone the start of repayment, scheduled for next March, for companies that have already used 80% of their loan. Here again, if this proposal is "studied" by the services of Bercy, it seems difficult to envisage. “It is obvious that a EMP must be reimbursed. We are constrained by a European framework, one explains to Bercy. Rather, professionals will need to request support from their bank on a case-by-case basis. "

With regard to event companies and caterers, affected by a wave of cancellations while company meals for the end of year celebrations were "not recommended" by Jean Castex, they will also benefit from partial activity.

In what conditions ?

This remains to be clarified.

"We asked that partial unemployment be covered at 100%, from a 60% loss of activity, reveals Franck Trouet of the GNI.

We must put the package, otherwise the employees risk leaving.

Discussions on the subject are taking place between Bercy and the Ministry of Labor.

Negotiations should be concluded by the weekend.