For the sake of fairness, the government has decided to apply the same rule everywhere: dancing in bars and restaurants will be banned for four weeks, during which time nightclubs are forced to close.
According to a decree published on Wednesday, the measure takes effect this Friday morning until January 6 inclusive.
The discotheques "cannot welcome the public until January 6 inclusive" from Friday 6 am, specifies the decree which adds that "this prohibition applies until the same date to the activities of dance" of the bars and restaurants.
A study published in November in the medical journal The Lancet, the ComCor study by the Institut Pasteur carried out from May 23 to August 13, concluded that nightclubs were "places at high risk of transmission" because they are closed places with poor ventilation, where the coronavirus can more easily stay suspended in the air.
The nightclubs reopened in France on July 9, with a health pass, after 16 months of closure.
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The owners of nightclubs have been compensated, and will be compensated again to compensate for the losses of the coming weeks, but they complain that other party places will be able to remain open.
Tuesday, a nightclub boss called out to President Emmanuel Macron while he was strolling through the center of Vierzon (Cher), telling him "it is still us that you are closing, the 1,200 establishments" in France ‚" we do not ask no alms, we want to work ”.
An "exemplary" compensation
"You must not believe that you are stigmatized", replied Emmanuel Macron.
Unlike restaurants and bars, where "we are seated", "most of the time we are not around a table" in nightclubs, he explained to the boss who complained of a difference. treatment between these establishments.
"We will try to reopen as soon as possible, I agree to it," added the president, assuring that the discotheques would "be compensated in an exemplary manner to hold out during this period".
Prime Minister Jean Castex noted that wearing a mask, which had become compulsory at the end of November in all places closed in France even with the health pass, was "extremely difficult (to enforce) in these establishments".