Why is there no happy hour in Vendée?

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In Vendéehappy hour is not allowed. Promotions lasting a few hours on the price of alcoholic beverages are prohibited. From February 2019a charter signed by the prefect, prohibits the promotion of alcohol in the department's bars and nightclubs. This measure aims to combat road fatality rate linked to alcohol among the highest in France. 57 people died in 2023, on the roads of Vendée. THE three quarters would be linked to alcohol or drug consumption.

A first step

“In response to road accidents, the prefecture wanted to limit excessive alcohol consumption in Vendée, and we agreed to contribute,” explains Tarek Tarrouche, president of UMIH Vendée. Establishments signatory to the charter undertake not to offer special offers on alcoholic beverages, nor to sell alcohol at reduced prices in large quantities. “Removing promotions is a first step to reducing excessive consumption,” he maintains.

For Vendée bars, the objective is clear: to promote conviviality while guaranteeing customer safety. “We are places of pleasure where people come to relax and chat, not to take risks after several beers,” insists Mr. Tarrouche. “Safety comes first. We are not places of debauchery, but spaces of happiness,” he continues.

“Never heard of this charter”

Despite the restrictions imposed, Tarek Tarrouche believes that this has not caused any major difficulty for the establishments: “Honestly, it has not caused us any big problems. We are aware of the issues and respectful of the law, charter or not. »

For the bars of Roche-sur-Yon the question does not arise. As if this rule was written in stone. The owner of the bar and restaurant Free fieldwas not aware that this applies at the departmental level, and not nationally. “I have never heard of this charter. I just know we're not allowed to have happy hours. » As for the other bars contacted, the managers all seem to know the regulations and apply them. Without really knowing where it comes from.

Large stores in the spotlight

The charter is widely adopted in the department. But it does not apply to supermarkets, where more than 80% of the alcohol consumed is purchased. Tarek Tarrouche raises the idea of ​​similar accountability for large stores. “Today, young people often drink alcohol before going out, due to financial constraints. We need to find a solution so that everyone is on an equal footing in the face of this public health issue. » The president of UMIH Vendée would like supermarkets to also be invited not to promote alcohol.

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