Reopening of summer terraces in Paris, a system that has "reached maturity"

Established after the lockdowns linked to the Covid epidemic, these initially temporary terraces were made permanent in the summer of 2021 and experienced a peak in popularity in 2022 with 9.600 requests for installation.

But this year, only 306 new applications were submitted, according to the city hall.

"We're reaching maturity with the system," explains Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj, PCF deputy in charge of trade. "And we're heavily regulating, since only 83 permits have been granted this year," he explains.

These extensions are installed in the parking spaces located in front of the facade of the establishments, plus one space on each side, the small squares, central reservations and, in the evening, in the space located in front of a closed neighboring business, if the latter agrees.

Authorizations for the occupation of public property by cafes and restaurants have been tacitly renewed in 2025, except for changes in leases or owners, as stipulated in the regulations on stalls and terraces (RET) in force since 2021.

However, in 2026, the permit will no longer be automatically granted to establishments where abuses have been noted and restaurateurs will have to resubmit their application.

In a report on the management of bar and restaurant terraces by the City of Paris published at the end of January, the regional audit office of Ile-de-France noted in particular "an increase in the occupation of public property, a source of protests from certain local residents and associations."

Sanctions in the event of abuse are in the hands of district elected officials, but as Carine Ekon, deputy mayor of the 20th arrondissement in charge of commerce, points out, they favor "mediation and dialogue," in conjunction with shopkeepers and the municipal and national police, "rather than sanctions."

The rules governing summer terraces remain unchanged: no furniture over 1m, no electrical (heating) or audiovisual installations, no roofs, tarpaulins or wooden pallets, and vegetation should be encouraged.

Shopkeepers are responsible for cleanliness, including under their decking and within a 5-meter radius, and must close at 22 p.m. - compared to 00 a.m. for traditional terraces.

The monitoring of summer terraces by the municipal police is "systematic" and begins "within two weeks," recalls Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj.