Closed for long months due to the coronavirus epidemic, nightclubs still do not know if they will soon be able to reopen.
On Europe 1, Patrick Malvaes, president of the National Union of discotheques and places of leisure, expresses his concern, describing a feeling of "disarray and anguish" among the operators.
The sector is among the most affected by the coronavirus crisis, and it could go on and on.
For fifteen months, nightclubs have had to remain closed, and while the health situation is improving, and restrictions are gradually lifted, the nightlife remains one of the few sectors to have no prospect of reopening.
And professionals, for their part, worry about the survival of their activity.
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"We are the only profession that has been closed uninterruptedly for 15 months, with no prospect of reopening", indignant Patrick Malvaes, president of the National Union of discos and places of leisure.
At the microphone of Europe 1, he confides his concern for all professionals in the sector.
"There, you have a feeling of disarray and anguish for these operators who no longer see any meaning in their life. This is why you have some who today ask to reopen under any condition, ”he explains.
A government response by June 15
"Provided they reopen. It's not even a material problem, it's a problem of psychological balance," said Patrick Malvaes.
But, he admits, "that we apply restrictive measures in the name of the collective interest, it is understandable".
According to him, three quarters of nightclubs could disappear, and 154 have already been placed in liquidation since the start of the pandemic.
The Minister for SMEs, Alain Griset, has suggested to nightclub operators that they would be set by June 15 at the latest.