The further the G7 goes, the more the city becomes an entrenched camp, because of the security measures put in place. In Biarritz, where the summit will be held from August 24 to 26, it will soon be impossible to move normally. The traders in the city are starting to worry and fear a shortfall in this holiday period. Serge Istèque, president of the merchants association of Les Halles district of Biarritz, shares this feeling about Europe 1: "This concern is legitimate.The setting up of a G7 mobilizes a lot of people and there will be some disappointments on the spot ", he admits.
The president of the association adds however: "We are mobilized so that this G7 is carried out as well as possible and, in a large majority, the traders will be opened".
"Nothing is closed yet"
The day after August 15, Serge Istèque says that there are still many people in the city: "There is more space in the car parks, the beaches are crowded and nothing is closed for moment. " He wants to be reassuring and says that "vacationers who will be on zones 1 and 2 will have badges to continue to live their holidays." Blue zone, red zone, this is the name of the two security perimeters established for the summit. The strictest, the red, prohibited except accreditation, concerns the entire coastal strip and the places where meetings and other meetings will take place. The blue zone encompasses much of downtown.
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Serge Istèque also sees the benefits of such a summit: "the G7 can allow major brands to settle or return to Biarritz," he says. "Having a window open to the whole world is good economically and there are going to be benefits to take away." Many businesses have also decided to do animations or tastings to sell the image of the city.
Refunds on a case by case basis
However, everyone will not win and Serge Istèque has "already made up a number of complaints and wishes of traders" to the state. He announces that he will organize, in September, a general meeting with all the merchants of Biarritz.
Will refunds be possible? "We will see on a case by case basis, because if restaurateurs or hoteliers are going to work well, hairdressers or clothing sellers may have a shortfall, they may be the subject of a refund claim."