It's a name change that sums up the situation.
No longer say “ephemeral terraces”, instead use the term “summer terraces”.
To allow bars and restaurants in the capital to "survive" in the face of health restrictions, Anne Hidalgo decided last year to allow them to install tables and chairs in the public domain.
But what was supposed to be temporary has just been transformed into a definitive measure.
This Monday, Emmanuel Grégoire, the first deputy (PS) of the mayor of Paris, and Olivia Polski, deputy in charge of trade, presented the reform of the regulations for shelves and terraces which will apply from July 1.
Main measure, therefore: "The ephemeral terraces become summer terraces which can be installed in public spaces seven months of the year, from April 1 to October 31", summarizes Olivia Polski.
"We have all seen their enormous success since the reopening of bars and restaurants," explains Emmanuel Grégoire.
We had missed the terraces.
They are the identity of Paris, of what we love the capital.
"
Reassure local residents who fear nuisance
A decision that is obviously welcomed by professionals in the sector. “This is a historic moment. This is a significant increase in our terrace spaces and therefore in our potential turnover, even if these terraces will become paying again. Last year, I did not even imagine this possibility. This is a very good initiative ”, greets David Zenouda, president of UMIH Paris (Union of hotel trades and industries).
But while 9,800 ephemeral terraces have already seen the light of day, and the new by-law also authorizes booksellers, record stores, hotels and even florists to equip themselves with such infrastructures, the City recognizes it: we must restore some order. Hence this overhaul of the regulations. It must first allow better cohabitation with local residents, requiring the end of service at 10 p.m. in these areas and prohibiting music there.
If the installation of terraces is authorized on the median and plots, "the freedom of movement of pedestrians remains the absolute rule", also insists Emmanuel Grégoire.
As for those on the road, they will no longer be able to be in delivery places.
Professionals can set up their extensions on the square in front of their business, as well as on a neighboring square on either side.
“We had decided to eliminate 70,000 parking spaces in Paris,” recalls Emmanuel Grégoire.
An assessment expected after the summer of 2022
And because the aestheticism of the capital has been a subject of much debate lately, things are now clear. Thus, the much-criticized pallet wood is over. It is forbidden to cover the terraces, only parasols may be there. Vegetation accepted but limited. Maximum height of 1.30 meters… In the event of non-compliance with these rules, the City, via its future municipal police, has a wide range of penalties. From a simple reminder to the withdrawal of the occupation permit for a period of up to three years.
Not enough, however, to reassure the residents' associations.
“We understood the necessary efforts to be made during the Covid.
But why perpetuate these terraces, sources of numerous nuisances, when the City, despite what it claims, does not have the means to control them?
It's absurd, ”protests Amélie Terrien, from the Right to Sleep Paris collective.
Emmanuel Grégoire refers to consultation.
A balance sheet will indeed be drawn in the second half of 2022. With the possibility of modifying the contours of this new regulation.