France wants to 'attract' people to villages with bars.

A bill that will make it easier to open bars in French villages has been introduced in Parliament

The initiator of the bill is centrist MP Guillaume Kasbarian. Its goal is to improve social life in rural areas.

Many local districts in France currently lack shops, cafes, and bars. According to the MP, bringing such establishments back to remote villages strengthens social ties, boosts the economy, and creates jobs.

Today, two-thirds of municipalities in France no longer have shops. Logically, even more do not have bistros or cafes - worries the MP.

According to the bill, cafe owners in villages with a population of fewer than 3,500 will be able to obtain a permit to open a bar serving alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 18% or higher through a simplified procedure.

Currently, to open such an establishment in small municipalities in France, one must wait for another establishment with the same license to close, which can take a long Time even after the establishment ceases operations.

Some opponents of the initiative are concerned about the increase in alcohol consumption in villages, where there are not enough options for treating alcohol dependence. But supporters of the bill argue that it will help eliminate the isolation of village residents, as strong alcoholic beverages are already available in supermarkets.

The number of municipalities that can take advantage of this benefit is difficult to determine. According to the Association of Mayors of France, more than 31,000 communes have fewer than 3,500 residents. However, this will only apply to municipalities where there are no bars, bistros, or cafes that already have a license.

It should also be noted that the owner of two cafes in the center of Kyiv changed their names after the halt of military weapon supplies from the USA to Ukraine.