France

New drinking law angers winegrowers

Article published on the 2009-03-06 Latest update 2009-03-06 12:58 TU

A wine tasting in Bordeaux
(Photo: AFP)

Wine growers were concerned about a law approved by the French Parliament Thursday night that would ban open bars, or the practice of having customers pay a cover charge to be able to drink all they want. The law is part of a broader health bill supported by Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot.

Bachelot says the open bar ban is not about instituting a “society of prohibition of abstinence”, but aims to curb youth drinking.

The law prohibits open bars and also bans bars from offering free drinks for promotional purposes, which Bachelot says promotes binge drinking.

Wine growers and some lawmakers were concerned that the law would affect wine tastings and wine fairs, where visitors pay entry fees and can then drink as much as they want.  

An amendment, introduced by the ruling UMP party, allows for the exemption of "fairs, wine workshops and other tasting operations, including meals and wine”. This amendment will be voted on when the Senate considers the law in April.

On Monday, Parliament will consider another part of the health bill that would raise the legal age for buying alcohol from 16 to 18, and require stores to ask for proof of age before selling to a minor. There are also provisions to prohibit the sale of wine or spirits in service stations.

Lawmakers began their examination of the health bill on 10 February and should finish on 11 March. The bill will then be sent to the Senate in April.