Since last week, drinking establishments have been closed in cities on high alert.

In Paris at aperitif time, many brasserie take on the appearance of a bar in their place.

Until 10 p.m., customers can sit there without ordering food. 

REPORTAGE

Since last week, drinking establishments have been closed in French cities placed on maximum alert.

But the situation remains unclear: restaurants are allowed to open and can serve alcohol without customers having to order food.

Result at aperitif time, many Parisian brasseries take on the appearance ... of bar.

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Rules change at 10 p.m.

"I do catering. But it is sure that during the aperitif, it is only drink", testifies Franck, manager of an establishment at the microphone of Europe 1. A few meters further, a group friends have a drink with nothing to eat on the table.

Marie takes care of filling the glasses with an eye on her watch.

"For the moment we are still within the authorized hour so we manage to get together, drink shots with friends."

All the nuance is there: in these establishments, one cannot drink alcohol without eating until 10 pm.

To stay seated, you will then have to order a dish.

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A question of survival for restaurateurs

Some concede it, the situation is gruesome.

However, it allows Louis, manager of a brewery, to get his head out of the water.

"It wasn't worth staying open if we were only going to do catering. Here, we should have closed. It's a matter of survival."

Bosses and managers who see in addition the threat of a curfew, which could be announced Wednesday evening by Emmanuel Macron.