What if it was possible to have lunch on the terrace from April 1 in certain departments of France?
This is what the Union des Métiers de l'Industrie et de l'Hôtellerie (UMIH) hopes, which made the request this Friday to Prime Minister Jean Castex through the voice of its confederal president, Roland Héguy.
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Two weeks ago, a three-step reopening plan for bars and restaurants was proposed to the government by professional organizations in the catering and hotel trade, including the UMIH.
This reopening of the terraces would correspond to the first stage of this plan, and would not be effective until lunchtime for a 3-week experimentation phase, from April 1.
It would be done in compliance with a strict sanitary protocol, with a gauge that would not exceed 50% of the places
.
Some departments concerned
The entire French territory would not be affected by this measure, due to the disparities in the progression of the virus in each of the regions.
“
We announced a strengthening of health measures for the departments most affected by the epidemic.
Why not relax where possible?
", Advances Roland Héguy, president of the UMIH.
An argument taken up by the union on its Twitter account.
The UMIH would consider carrying out this experiment in the Pyrénées-Orientales and in certain departments of New Aquitaine such as the Landes.
According to what criteria?
Three criteria are put forward to justify this choice.
The objective is, in the first place, to fight against unfair competition.
The Pyrénées-Orientales department borders Spain, a country where restaurants are open and where French tourists can go.
A loss for the local economy.
The incidence rate is also low in these areas.
The departments of Landes and Pyrénées-Atlantiques show respective incidence rates of 83 cases and 74 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, figures well below the national average.
The last criterion put forward is that of the weather conditions, which will make it possible to welcome customers on the terrace.
With the onset of spring and the return of good weather, it's a good time to have lunch outside.
“
All these people, who can be seen crowded on the sidewalks for lunch or a drink, would certainly be better off in our establishments.
And given the protocol in place, they would take fewer risks.
»Says Roland Héguy.
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Since the restaurants closed on October 30, psychological fragility has been added to the economic fragility of professionals in the sector.
“
This request, if accepted, would first and foremost be a good signal for the economy to
recover,” adds Roland Héguy.
