MPs in France have supported heavy bills, making it easy to open bars in villages – a step with the aim of reviving social life in small rural communities.
In 156-2 votes on Monday, MPs decided to loosen strict restrictions on a new bar permit to sell liquor. The bill still needs Senate approval to enact law.
Supporters say that changes are required to improve social relations and reduce isolation – but critics have warned of health risks through alcohol.
France has seen a sharp decline from about 200,000 times and cafes serving alcohol in 1960 up to 36,000 by 2015. Most of the closures were in rural areas.
In France, a type -4 alcohol license requires the law to open once to sell alcoholic beverages, including rigid spirits with more than 18% alcohol.
Currently, no such new permits can be provided, and once the plan to open it will have to wait until the existing drinking space is closed to obtain their license.
The new law will allow potential bar managers in communities with less than 3,500 people and to request a brand-new permit without waiting without bar.
Local mayors will be the last saying whether to approve or reject such requests.
The AFP news agency reported that lawmaker Guelume Kasberian said “an old and obsolete legal framework” should be replaced.
It also quoted another French MP Fabian de Philippo, who described “above all, many rural areas and places for people to come together in a society where people have a tendency to close on themselves”.
The French Health Ministry says that every year about 49,000 deaths in the country are caused by alcohol consumption, describing it as a “major public health issue”.
