the essential
From December 14, 2024 to January 19, 2025 inclusive, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in several areas of Pamiers. This decree aims to preserve the tranquility and security of residents and merchants in the city center, due to numerous abuses.
Although in France, drunkenness on public roads is illegal, the law in no way prohibits drinking on public roads.
However, local authorities, such as the municipality and the prefecture, can regulate consumption.
Indeed, following numerous proven cases in different sectors of Pamiers, Simon Bertoux, prefect of Ariège, recently issued an order to this effect. “By prefectural decree of December 10, 2024, the consumption of alcoholic beverages from the 3rd (wine, beer, cider, etc.) to the 5th (gin, vodka, etc.) groups, on the public domain in several sectors of the communes of Foix and of Pamiers, is prohibited.”
This decision is motivated by the desire to “preserve the tranquility and security of residents and merchants in city centers,” indicates the prefecture in a press release. She also adds that security forces are forced to intervene regularly for “offenses and acts of violence directly linked to alcohol consumption.”
A similar problem in Foix
From December 14, 2024 to January 19, 2025 inclusive, it will therefore be prohibited to consume alcohol on public roads in Pamiers: rue Victor Hugo, rue des Jacobins, rue Gabriel-Péri, place de la République, rue de la République, rue des 4 Sergents de la Rochelle, place Sainte Ursule, Chplomb municipal park. This prefectural decree also targets another municipality in Ariège, Foix.
The Appameans seem to welcome this decision. “We regularly see people consuming alcohol in the streets, then they throw their cans in the street, it’s not pleasant. If some people are not mean, it’s not reassuring. It should be banned all year round. There are bars and terraces if they want to have a drink.”
This decree is also welcomed by the municipality. “This is a good thing. It complements the municipal decrees put in place in 2023. From December 1 to January 15 and from March 1 to October 1, several areas of the city are also affected by this ban. Since the implementation of these decrees, municipal agents intervene and they feel a drop in alcohol consumption on public roads”, indicates Fabrice Bocahut, elected in charge of prevention and public security.
Belgium
