### Relaunching village life: the daring bet of new legislation on bistros in rural areas
At a time when France wonders about the future of its rural territories, the announcement of a legislative proposal aimed at facilitating the opening of bistrots in municipalities of less than 3,500 inhabitants echoes a deeper problem: the fracture between dynamic urban areas and rural areas left for-compte. In response to the crisis of a declining trade, the initiative of Guillaume Kasbarian, former macronist minister, proposes not only to rekindle the villages, but also to redefine the contours of social life in rural areas.
### The end of an era: a legislative framework which has become obsolete
France has 35,000 municipalities, 31,000 of which have less than 3,500 inhabitants. The observation is clear: two thirds of the villages have no more businesses. This reality is accompanied by legislation on licenses IV, considered complex and unsuitable. Currently, the acquisition of a license to sell alcoholic beverages is a real obstacle course, conditioned by the closure of other establishments that have put the key under the door. The Kasbarian deputy describes this process as a “way of the cross”, thus emphasizing the absurdity of a regulation which seems to make any form of entrepreneurial initiative.
The initiative to allow derogations for obtaining licenses IV could thus transform the dynamics of the villages, by opening spaces of conviviality. The opening of bistros and cafes would not be just a question of alcohol consumption, but of creating social ties, local animation and attractiveness of territories often emptied of their substance, especially in rural areas.
### An opportunity for the local economy
Beyond the simple creation of consumption spaces, the opening of bistros could be the catalyst for economic revitalization. Indeed, the presence of a bistro can attract visitors, stimulate local tourism and thus benefit other businesses, such as grocery stores or craftsmen. This phenomenon is not unprecedented; Many villages, across Europe, have seen their activity revitalized thanks to the development of local hospitality.
The economic benefits of such a project are not limited to direct revenue from bistros. The increase in local employment, purchase from local producers and the implementation of short circuits also contribute to a dynamic where the whole community can benefit from it. In Church-Neuve-de-Vergt, for example, the mayor evokes a “rural multiple” integrating bar, grocery and services, embodying an imaginative and global response to commercial desertification.
### balance between public health and economic boom
Nevertheless, the right to a good community life must be accompanied by a concern for public health. The question of alcohol consumption, especially in rural areas, is complex. Several studies show that alcohol consumption in public spaces such as bistros can be regulated in a socially responsible manner. Indeed, sociability associated with consumption in a collective space tends to reduce overconsumption of alcohol.
Thus, the implementation of a “coherent and ambitious public health policy” would not only be desirable, but necessary. This could go through educational programs on responsible consumption, partnerships with health associations or initiatives promoting non -alcoholic drinks. Madness of quantity or enlightened pragmatism? This duality should be at the heart of parliamentary debates.
### The fears of a “rue des Bistrots” instead of a “village of cafes”
However, the introduction of new IV licenses is not without causing concerns about their capture by external actors or larger municipalities. This risk could indeed lead to speculation on licenses, distorting the initial goal of local revitalization. Voices are already rising to suggest that mayors are given more decision -making powers on the allocation of licenses in their municipalities, in order to better protect the integrity of the local commercial fabric.
The idea of circumscribing the extension of licenses IV to specific areas could then prevent a phenomenon of expropriation. With this in mind, parliamentary debate will have to balance between the opening of economic opportunities and the protection of local interests.
### Legislation in prism of local specificities
Finally, it would be wise to include this proposal in a larger legislative framework, taking into account the diversity of French territories. Each municipality has its own specificities, whether in terms of demography, culture or economy. Thus, more than a simple derogation from a rule, the solution could be to rethink the entire regulatory framework so as to promote personalization of the opening rules for each village, thus promoting greater decision -making autonomy to local elected officials.
In this approach, the role of the State should be that of a facilitator rather than a strict regulator, supporting an entrepreneurial dynamic that is both lively and responsible.
### In conclusion
The proposal to simplify the opening of bistros in municipalities of less than 3,500 inhabitants could thus contribute to an economic and social renewal. By multiplying local initiatives, by promoting conviviality and by structuring a responsible consumption framework, this legislation could be the spearhead of a new era for French villages. The revitalization of the rural fabric does not depend only on the opening of places of life, but on the whole of a collective consciousness on the way of living together, to consume together, and to create shared spaces to redefine the village identity.