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Summer heat in Paris: saving energy for the climate
Photo: SARAH MEYSSONNIER / REUTERS
In Paris, a shop in the center has to pay a fine for keeping the door open with the air conditioning on.
An energy-saving regulation has been in force in the French capital since July 25, according to which shops and service providers must keep doors and windows closed when the air conditioning is on.
The police monitor compliance.
Anyone who violates this must pay a fine of up to 150 euros.
The patrols began Wednesday on the posh Rue de Rivoli.
However, the city administration emphasized that the regulation applies to all districts.
The retailers had been informed for two weeks beforehand.
The city administration did not provide information on how many shops had already been penalized.
However, she emphasized that she proceeded with a sense of proportion: "If a business owner shows us that he is in the process of replacing the door with one that can be closed, then we do not take action against him." This applies to restaurants or cafés with an outdoor terrace the energy saving arrangement does not.
In France, there are already similar regulations in other cities - for example in Bourg-en-Bresse, Lyon or Besançon.
Environment Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher has announced a nationwide regulation.
mike/AFP
