The bitterly cold weather is proving a turn-off for customers of Aix cafés and restaurants where it is now against the law to use outdoor heaters in winter and a.c./clima in the summer. The legislation applies to all venues that have tables and chairs on an open terrace, where the screens are ‘en souple’ – movable; fixed glass verandas for instance can be heated.
Proprietors are of course devastated by the drop in custom. They told La Provence that first they were hit by covid lockdowns, then by staff shortages during the slow return to normal business, then energy costs soared…and now, a 1,500 euros fine for a first offence, or forced reduction of opening hours. The owner of Solferino in rue d’Italie pointed out that he has 20 tables inside and 40 out. Many across town are in a similar position. A quick coffee outside is one thing, but a meal?
So what can they do? Many are providing fleeces which people are happy to sit on, but won’t wrap themselves in them for fear of covid, they say. Restaurant owners are having to launder them on a weekly basis. Others are finding new use for pizza-ovens and grill-pains…
Why, one asked, is the town and the Rotonde illuminated? Another questioned whether football fans would sit outside in ‘fan zones’ and buy drinks for two hours.
All those interviewed understood the rationale, but are finding the situation very difficult, especially when the streets and markets are busy with Christmas shoppers.
aixcentric 
The article doesn’t say what the rationale is behind the legislation of banning heaters. Could you please explain? Thank you.
The Environment Ministry estimated that outdoor heating was producing 500,000 tonnes of CO2 in France every year – the equivalent of the average emissions from 300,000 cars. Now, the government has banned it. It is now illegal for French cafes, bars, restaurants and other establishments to operate heated terraces.(31 Mar 2022 The Local.)