"Are we here, right !? This Wednesday evening, the air is soft, the sun drags on. Lili and Suzanne sipped a drink, sitting on the steps of Montmartre. They are far from the only ones. With the deconfinement, some bars and restaurants now offer take-out. Coffee, glass of white or rosé wine, beer ... enough to bring in a little money and resume partial activity for the bosses, who are being bullied financially.
Problem, this reopening gives new impetus to a phenomenon that appeared during confinement: "the aperitif". If some Parisians still prefer to practice it on the landing, open doors, or in the courtyard of a building, others share a good time ... on the sidewalk.
"We preferred to be in the bar but the sidewalk works too"
Rue Yvonne-Le-Tac (18th century), right next to the Abbesses station (not served), colleagues are enjoying a drink on the side of an Italian restaurant. Spritz, mojito and beer are to take away in a plastic cup. “This is the second time that we have found ourselves for an aperitif since the deconfinement. We preferred to be in the bar but the sidewalk also works, ”appreciates one of them. "We especially want to stay close to the source," launches his friend. Besides, another tour? "
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He doesn't have to repeat it twice. For the boss, "the sale of take-away drinks was essential". "Dough doesn't work on apps. But people are looking for a drink together after being confined for two months. However, I make sure that they do not stay put, "he explains, adding" do the police a little ", to avoid customers blocking the passage or clump. "But overall, there is no problem. "
"We make sure that people respect the distancing measures"
In rue La-Vieuville (18th century), just behind, it's not the same thing. The last rays of the sun bring together several dozen people. Slightly busy, it has several establishments that sell take-out. The groups chat quietly, a plastic glass in their hands. A car passes, people move away. And take possession of the road. If the sound system and the sangria attract customers, no question for Anna to do anything. "The goal is to sell - we needed to get back on track after weeks of inactivity - not to have police patrols. We make sure that people respect the distancing measures near the restaurant as much as possible. After in the street ... it's more complicated. And then, here, it's always been like that, ”admits the boss.
"I don't think there are too many of us. Everyone is careful and keeps a little distance, ”says Sarah, who came with three friends for an aperitif. “The bars are always closed and aperitifs in video, Skype, WhatsApp, Zoom… we gave! We need to see each other so we don't really have a choice: we are outside. And it's super nice, ”adds Tim. The aperitif has a bright future ahead of it.
