French lawmakers have taken a big step toward making it easier to open bars in rural villages.
On Monday, they voted 156 to 2 in favor of a bill that would loosen restrictions on new bar permits. The proposed law still needs approval from the Senate before it can take effect.
The goal is to breathe new life into small communities where social connections have faded. Supporters believe reopening bars will help reduce isolation and bring people together. However, some critics worry it could lead to increased alcohol-related health problems.
France once had around 200,000 bars and cafés serving alcohol in the 1960s, but by 2015, that number had dropped to about 36,000. Rural areas have been hit the hardest, with many villages losing their last remaining gathering spots.
Currently, opening a new bar in France requires a type-4 alcohol license, which allows the sale of drinks with more than 18% alcohol. These licenses are no longer issued, so anyone wanting to open a bar must wait for an existing one to close before acquiring a permit.
The new law would change that rule. In villages with fewer than 3,500 people that have no bar, entrepreneurs could apply for a new permit without waiting for an old one to become available. Local mayors would have the power to approve or deny these applications.
Some lawmakers argue that France’s strict licensing rules are outdated. Guillaume Kasbarian, one of the MPs backing the bill, called the current system “obsolete.” Another MP, Fabien Di Filippo, said bars serve an important role in rural areas by giving people a place to connect in a society where social isolation is growing.
While many see the bill as a way to strengthen village life, health officials remain concerned about alcohol consumption. The French health ministry reports that alcohol is responsible for about 49,000 deaths per year, calling it a serious public health issue.
The final decision now rests with the Senate. If approved, the law could bring a major change to small communities, making it easier for village bars to return after decades of decline.