A few hours before the early closing of bars in the capital for two weeks, cafetiers in the Parisian district of Montparnasse are still struggling to understand this measure.

For them, it is a new net loss of turnover "impossible to recover".

REPORTAGE

"We will do without, we have no choice."

Like Stéphane, Parisian cafetiers are looking gray this Monday a few hours before the mandatory early closing at 10 p.m. in the capital.

As in the ten other metropolises classified in "enhanced alert zone" because of the coronavirus by the government, Paris will see all of its bars close well before the usual time.

This is particularly the case in the district of the Montparnasse tower, where drinking establishments sit alongside cinemas, theaters and other restaurants, which may remain open. 

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"Every hour counts"

This early closure rhymes with net loss for turnover, "impossible to catch up", confirms at the microphone of Europe 1 Stéphane, owner of the Piaf bistro which had remained open until one o'clock in the morning.

"In Paris every hour counts, from morning to night, especially in lively neighborhoods like that."

Resigned, the cafeteria knows that the next 15 days ahead, until October 11 inclusive, will be difficult to manage financially.

"We have no choice, we have to remove people to put them on short-time work, and maybe even stop completely."

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The puzzle of dual-license establishments

On the neighboring terrace, full at the time of leaving the offices and the nearby school, it is incomprehension that dominates Thomas, the manager.

Especially with regard to restaurants, which have received authorization to remain open.

It is also a real headache for him who has a double license: bar and restaurant.

After calling his neighborhood police station and consulting lawyers, he "had only contradictory information".

He therefore does not know whether he should close his establishment at 10 p.m. 

But given his finances, which he considers "too fragile", Thomas prefers to take precautions and close.

Heartbreaking for this professional, but the fear of a fine or an administrative closure is the strongest.