The spread of Covid on a global scale and the changes that this virus implies in our daily lives: two problems still unknown a year ago. But for longer than that, the clientele of Eurelian nightclubs seems to shun the festivities of December 31, prompting two out of three nightclubs to mute and close the dance floors.
Le HQ, Le Privilège, L’OMG … With the health crisis, the discotheques of Eure-et-Loir at a standstill
Franck Cauvière, patron of the Privilege, in Chartres, recognizes that the lifestyle of night owls has changed.
“For me, the best New Years Eve parties on December 31 were those of the Mitterrand years, with more than two hundred people, popular music and joy. “
empty (empty)
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And to develop: “In the 80s, mentalities were different. A certain recklessness reigned. There was work. People would go out, really have fun and spend. “
The three discotheques of Eure-et-Loir will benefit from state aid
Four hundred revelers in 2005
Franck Cauvière, who took over the reins behind his father in 1994, confides: “The many restrictions, both for us discos and for customers, have become obstacles to going out to nightclubs. The safety standards of establishments open to the public and the controls of the police and gendarmes, “who position themselves at the exit of the dance halls”, are among the examples pointed out by these night professionals.
Conclusion, on December 31, 2019, the Privilege was closed: “For the first time in thirty-five years! And even if there had not been the Covid, I did not intend to open for this December 31, 2020. It no longer has any interest. “The boss denounces” revelers arriving around 3 am already drunk “and drugs that circulate a lot:” I put cameras everywhere and I fire consumers as soon as they are spotted. “
Patrick Pollion, owner of the HQ, in Saint-Perst, is on the same wavelength as his colleague: “I bought this nightclub in 2002. The best New Year’s Eve remains that of 2005 with a great atmosphere and more than four hundred people. But it’s been years since people go out on December 31st. “The boss cites an example that lowered revenues:” The smoking ban has made us lose 50% of our customers. People, even young people, prefer to stay at home to consume alcohol. “He also no longer offers revelers to come and celebrate the change of year:” I’m closed. During the last events, I welcomed two hundred people. It is not profitable because you have to pay double for staff, decoration, entertainment, gifts… ”
Nick Stevanson, DJ of Chartres: “We are the forgotten ones of the crisis”
However, there are only three nightclubs left in Eure-et-Loir against a dozen in 1996, including the popular Lido (Chartres), Le James (Lèves) and Double Six (Chartres). Patrick Pollion underlines another important point explaining the drop in attendance according to him: “Before, there were seventeen night bars in Chartres which were connected with nightclubs. There are three left. “
“Surprise the customer”
Jean-Bernard Sockeel, boss of the OMG, in Nogent-le-Phaye, continues, him, the festivities of December 31 except this year, Covid obliges: “2018 was exceptional with magnificent plays of light and“ performers ”of the fire-breathing type, acrobats, laser robot man, waders …” In the profession for forty-eight years, the manager of the OMG arrived in Chartres in 2006: “We have always developed a lot of ideas to amaze our customers. It’s a success every year, with euphoria on the personal and customer side. ”
Finances. The three Eurelian nightclubs make a common wish for 2021: to welcome the public again. The reopening was looming for the month of March for a while, but it might not happen before the fall. The three bosses evoke “debts which accumulate because the State has paid funds covering some expenses over the months of June, July and August while we have now been closed for nine months”.
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Thierry delaunay
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