Montpellier Night Shops Face Closure: A Battle Over Noise, Security, and Livelihoods
Three late-night convenience stores in Montpellier are challenging a recent municipal order that forces them to close nightly from Thursday to Monday, year-round. The administrative court is expected to deliver its ruling on Wednesday.
The Dispute: A Threat to Business or a Solution to Nuisance?
The shop owners argue the order threatens their very existence. Ammar, owner of a store on Rue de l’Aiguillerie, stated, “An order like What we have is the end of our activity, because our turnover is made at night.” His accountant estimates a 35% loss in revenue since the order was implemented, a figure contested by the city’s legal counsel.
The municipality justifies the ban citing “nocturnal disturbances” including late-night gatherings, excessive alcohol consumption, public property damage, illegal parking, and violations related to the sale of alcohol, nitrous oxide, and tobacco.
Previous Measures and Escalating Concerns
Prior orders, implemented since 2021, restricted nighttime opening hours only during school holidays. However, according to Sébastien Cote, the city’s Security Officer, these measures failed to curb the “proliferation of night shops and the increase in disturbances.”
“A Bazooka to Kill a Mosquito?”
The shop owners’ lawyer, Me Sophie Mazas, vehemently opposes the blanket ban, arguing it’s an overreaction. “If a few shops are malfunctioning, close them! But this is like using a bazooka to kill a mosquito.” She emphasized that her clients, many of whom are parents, are similarly affected by the issues the city cites, such as nitrous oxide abuse and drug trafficking, but are not responsible for them.
Mazas further criticized the timing, suggesting the decision is politically motivated by the upcoming municipal elections and unfairly targets “small workers” striving to improve their economic situation.
Blanchiment d’argent (Money Laundering) Accusations
Mayor Michaël Delafosse has publicly labeled night shops as “fronts for money laundering,” accusations that deeply offend Ammar. “When you perform until 2 am and are treated as a drug trafficker and money launderer, it’s devastating,” he said. He argues that legitimate businesses are being penalized while those truly involved in illicit activities will continue regardless of the restrictions.
Jobs at Risk
The legal team representing the shop owners highlighted the potential job losses resulting from the closures, citing existing loans and unavoidable fixed costs. The city’s lawyer acknowledged the potential for layoffs but argued it doesn’t constitute an emergency situation.
The City’s Perspective: Past Measures Show Limited Impact
Sébastien Cote dismissed concerns about financial ruin, pointing to a similar order implemented in 2021. “After the first order, I received a demonstration of several dozen people in front of the town hall explaining that we were going to close dozens and dozens of establishments, put dozens of people out of work and ruin dozens of families. I challenge you to find the night shops that closed and the people who were ruined following the 2021 order.”
What’s Next?
The administrative court of Montpellier will announce its decision on Wednesday, potentially shaping the future of late-night commerce in the city.
Tribunal administratif de Montpellier Contact Information:
- Address: 6 rue Pitot, 34000 Montpellier, France
- Phone: 04 67 54 81 00
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://montpellier.tribunal-administratif.fr/
