- France does not allow the reopening of its nightclubs until next September, to avoid any health risk.
- A real "shock" for Jean Roch, owner of the emblematic VIP Room in Saint-Tropez, who denounces the killing of an entire profession.
The news fell on the night of Friday to Saturday. France does not allow the reopening of its nightclubs until next September, to avoid any health risk. On the Côte d'Azur, the doors of nightclubs, which attract thousands of tourists each year, will remain closed throughout the summer season. A real cataclysm for Jean Roch, figure of the Tropezian night and owner of the emblematic VIP Room. A few days after announcing the closure of his Paris club, he confides to 20 Minutes his fears and doubts about his future and that of his profession.
How did you react when you learned that the clubs could only open in France in September?
It was more than a surprise. It’s a shock. We are facing a killing. The government proceeds to the assassination of clubs, the inexplicable assassination of an entire profession. We are told that the restaurants have opened. The sports halls have reopened. Cinemas will reopen. But the clubs do not reopen. I heard that the government feared an epidemic because, in clubs, we have to speak loudly and close to the ear. But how long have we been catching coronavirus by the ears? What are we talking about, seriously?
It is rather out of fear of the postilions, isn't it?
But what is the difference with a cafe or restaurant? We were ready to welcome our customers, respecting a health protocol. In a club, there are professionals to supervise all this. And people are not going to deprive themselves of partying! On the Côte d'Azur, where are these people going to go out? They go to the beaches, to restaurants, to villas for private parties. And this is where the spread can take place! There is no supervision in private parties, no manager! And nothing can replace a club!
Do you plan to open the VIP Room in September?
And so what ? To do what ? In September, in Saint-Tropez, the season is over! It's like opening a ski resort in May! It has no interest. What do you want me to tell you? You have to be serious. It goes too far. The government does anything. Me, I sincerely wonder what I will say to my 70 to 80 employees who have worked each year in season at the VIP Room for twenty years. It's 70 to 80 families behind. A year-round business can face difficult months. But seasonal clubs cannot face a non-season. No company can survive such a crash.
Are you worried about closing?
The VIP Room is my main business. And I have no solution. I have no future. When I'm going to have to pay the rents, what am I going to do? It's a whole profession that we want to wipe off the map. How are seasonal clubs going to do? By taking such a decision, we favor city clubs and seasonal clubs will definitely close! Italy, which has been the biggest source of contamination in Europe, has reopened its clubs in the past three days. In Mykonos, everything has reopened. In France, no. It's mind-blowing, inexplicable, irrational. It is also a real problem for the local economy. When you choose your vacation, between a place where everything is open, and a place where clubs like you are closed, what do you choose? The government absolutely must reverse this decision!
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- Nightclub
- Nightclub
- Deconfinement
- Saint Tropez