On April 24, 2026, the new mayor of Elne, Steve Fortel, known for his far-right views, issued a decree setting the closing time for outdoor terraces of bars, cafes, and restaurants on public property in his municipality at 11:00 PM. The mayor aims to combat “nuisances” (noise). The opposition and some business owners criticize the impact of the measure on the local economy.
In order to reconcile the friendliness of the city center with the tranquility of residents, the municipal authorities decided to establish a closing time of 11:00 PM for outdoor terraces of bars, cafes, and restaurants throughout the town. The announcement made on the city of Elne’s Facebook page on May 5 sparked controversy. Many independent merchants seem to be strongly opposed to the decision of the new mayor, Steve Fortel, particularly concerning outdoor terraces on public property.
For instance, Sébastien Sanchez, the owner of La Guingueta del Salitar, a restaurant with only outdoor seating, expressed his concerns: “I think this decree is a bit excessive. The mayor didn’t assess the impact it could have on a restaurant owner. In the evening, when customers arrive, they ask me if it’s true that we have to close at 11:00 PM. They want to have time to eat leisurely. I have lost customers because of this.” He also mentioned that the police have visited to check if the Guingueta, located in the former college courtyard, was complying with the decree.
Ludovic Lamotte, from the bar Le Rallye in the city center, also criticized the decision. He explained, “Personally, I am not affected much: besides the street-facing terrace, I have another one at the back, private and without neighbors. But those with small indoor spaces are dismayed. Especially since there was no consultation. The deputy mayor who brought me the decree even said that, even for the Music Festival, at 11:00 PM, the singer I bring in front of the bar will have to wrap up.”
An interviewed café owner on Wednesday expressed support for the measure, mentioning: “I think some have abused. It doesn’t bother us. Even before the decree was issued, when we held events, we closed the outdoor terrace at 11:00 PM and continued inside.”
Mayor Steve Fortel defended the decision, saying, “Large restaurants can remain open after 11:00 PM, and private terraces are not affected. We implemented this decree because we had issues with some establishments whose outdoor terraces on public property caused a lot of disturbances. My goal is for these establishments to respect the residents living nearby and for the noise to stop by 11:00 PM. I clarify that if the terraces remain open a bit later and there is no noise, we won’t say anything.”
Furthermore, according to the mayor, “This decree only confirms the commercial leases that problematic establishments signed with the previous administration. These leases specify that they must close their terraces at 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM.”
The former mayor, Nicolas Garcia, who recently resigned from his position as an opposition councilor, referred to the measure as a “security obsession.” He added, “Of course, this decree will please some neighbors. But if enforced, it will contribute to turning Elne into a dead city. Even bars with some indoor space may suffer the consequences. If they have to keep their doors closed to avoid noise, no one will come this summer. People want to stay outdoors. They will go to other towns.”
