Toulouse: will the Covid terraces be extended?
On February 17, the Terrace Commission will decide whether or not to perpetuate the covid terraces, around three axes. If nothing has yet been decided by the City, the residents’ associations are already up in arms.
On February 17, the town hall of Toulouse will decide on the sustainability of the Covid terraces, set up in the summer of 2020 to support the local economy damaged during the pandemic. A measure extended in September 2021 until March 31, 2022. A very sensitive subject which, even before any decision by the City, makes residents’ associations react. Like the association 60 Million Pedestrians 31, wishing to oppose this extension: “We must restore a fair sharing of public space, assures Richard Mébaoudj, president. The City must take into account the legitimate requests of pedestrians and people with reduced mobility (PRM). Without forgetting to preserve the city from nuisances, from being ruined by these anarchic terraces”.
Very involved in Toulouse life, the association Bien Vivre à Toulouse (BVTC), is worried about the choice of the City: “536 extensions of covid terraces have been made in Toulouse, notes Patrice Affre, member of BVTC. Added to the 1000 existing terraces, the figure rises to 1500. Toulouse becomes an open-air terrace. It’s not acceptable. Toulouse must remain open to all”. Other associations are also wondering about the reason for this possible sustainability “while the sanitary measures are gradually being lifted”, notes Pierre-Charles Pons, president of the AFUL (urban land association of Larray) in Saint-Pierre.
Recall that the decision of these extensions allowed the cafeteria not to “sink” after months of closure linked to the pandemic. “We constantly hear that our sector has been generously helped, in particular by the famous state loan (PGE). But let’s not forget that this loan must be repaid, insists Olivier Dupuy, of the brasserie bars branch at Umih. It’s not a gift. These extensions are essential to maintaining our activity. The majority of cafe owners respect the regulations and remain respectful of local residents. These extensions must be preserved at least until the end of 2022. We ask the City to do so”.
“Everything is under study”
Christophe Alves, municipal councilor in charge of the public domain, repeats it: “Despite rumors, nothing has yet been decided. Everything is being studied and in the state of consultation”. According to the elected official, this arbitration will deal with three axes: the heritage protection of the city center, the problems of accessibility and traffic and noise pollution. “Let us remember moreover, in the Safeguarding and Enhancement Plan, the occupation of the Place de la Trinit terraces has been revised downwards and reduced by 20% with the removal of covid terraces”. In addition, confirms Chrstophe Alves, controls are regularly carried out by investigators from the Department of Markets and Occupations in the Public Domain as well as municipal police officers. Warnings may be issued to offenders ranging from suspension of the authorization to permanent withdrawal. to reassure the associations?