Restaurateurs demand compensation as Paris Olympics cripple business

Restaurant and café owners in downtown Paris are not at all pleased that the summer Olympics are starting in their city in a few days. What's more, they are demanding compensation because, in their opinion, traffic in their establishments has decreased by up to 70 percent. All due to security-related restrictions.

Several French organizations representing restaurateurs have issued a special statement. People running food businesses complain about overly extensive security measures and the division of Paris into restricted access zones. This has led to tourists being unable to reach certain establishments and restaurateurs experiencing a drop in revenue.

Restaurateurs understand that ensuring the safety of the Olympics' guests is an absolute priority. However, they emphasize that the lack of information did not allow them to prepare for the restrictions.

For example, Parisian restaurants and bars in the Trocadéro square are disadvantaged due to access restrictions, and attendance has dropped by 70 percent. Meanwhile, according to restaurateurs, metal barriers on the most famous streets of Paris deter customers.

These troubles have been compounded by political unrest following the elections (France still does not have a government—PAP) and unfavourable weather at the beginning of the season.

The signatories of the statement appeal for the establishment of compensation conditions for entities in their industry, pointing out that many small businesses are at risk of closure.