Covid terraces extended in Toulouse: the measure arouses tensions
The extensions of terraces granted to Toulouse have been extended until March 31, 2022. A measure that rejoices restaurant owners but arouses the ire of many residents and associations of pedestrians and cyclists.
On September 24, during a meeting, the Toulouse town hall extended for six months, until March 31, 2022, the terrace extensions of 536 Toulouse bars and restaurants. These extensions were due to end on September 30. A measure taken to compensate for the increase in activity linked to the epidemic which delighted traders, starting with Hubert de Faletans, president of the restaurant branch of the UMIH 31. “This is a request that we have had from the start of the crisis. The health crisis is a bit our September 11th, this extension is a way to improve our profitability. This measure is exceptional, in March, we do not know where we will be, will the crisis start again? “
In downtown Toulouse, near the very busy Place du Capitole and Place Saint-Georges, cafetiers and restaurateurs are also delighted. Like Christophe, manager of Café Albert. “I wasn’t aware of it, but it’s very good, it makes it possible to offer customers a more comfortable and airy terrace. ” ” I am delighted about it ! also rejoices Margot, in charge of the tea room Au jardin des thés place Saint-Georges. We had the agreement of the traders of the street located on the side of the square, they were happy because it gave them more visibility. Maxence, boss of Mr. Geroges on the eponymous square, is more nuanced. “These are months when it may rain and now heated terraces are prohibited. But it also means that the town hall is able to extend the measure longer! “
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Terraces: extended extensions
A prospect that gives cold sweats to several associations such as the collective of residents living well in Toulouse. For President Nathalie Di Pietro, the decision was taken without any consultation, while it is a source of “great suffering”. “We are against this arbitrary decision which does not take local residents into account. We like the conviviality but the extension of the terraces causes a lot of noise, and in some places strollers and people with reduced mobility cannot pass. Nationally, restaurateurs have been very helped. We are sure not to be taken into account. “
Same story with Richard Mébaoudj of the 60 Million Pedestrian Association 31. “We were not against an extension of the measure until October 30 in solidarity with the restaurateurs, then an extension on a case by case basis. Extending this extension until March worsens the situation for pedestrians and people with disabilities. Sustainability has not been proposed which is positive but we believe it will eventually be. “
66 warnings and 4 repeal of extensions
On the side of the town hall of Toulouse, Cécile Dufraisse, deputy mayor for the occupation of the public domain, explains that the decision to extend the extension of the terraces was made “in consultation with residents and associations”. “The terraces of cafes and restaurants were only able to reopen on May 19, which is why we wanted to extend this measure”.
The elected explains that the controls will still be relevant. “Since May, there have been 66 warnings for accessibility and noise issues, and four repeal of extensions. “Cécile Dufraisse will soon be proposed by Christophe Alvès, but she is keen to defend her record. “My job is to go into the field and find solutions. The goal is for everyone to be heard. If we have taken this measure, it is because we have not emerged from the Covid crisis. “
In addition, from September 30, professionals will have to pay the public domain occupancy fee. “The extension of the Covid terrace extensions will be billed at the current rate, ie 30% in addition to the rate for conventional terraces. “
At this time, it is too early to say whether the extension will be extended beyond March 31.