French lawmakers seek to bring back village bars

MPs take the first step in making it easier to open bars in rural communities to revive socialising.

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In a 156-2 vote on Monday, MPs decided to loosen strict restrictions on new bar permits to sell alcohol. The bill still needs a Senate approval to become law.

Supporters say the change is needed to better cement social ties and reduce isolation - but critics warn of health risks through alcoholism.

France has seen a sharp fall from about 200,000 bars and cafés serving alcohol in the 1960s to some 36,000 by 2015. Most of the closures were in rural areas.

In France, a type-4 alcohol licence is required by law to open a bar selling alcoholic drinks, including hard spirits with more than 18% alcohol.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c984n1p7qn8o

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