Paris restaurants demand compensation amid Olympics disruptions

Restaurant and cafe owners in downtown Paris are not pleased that the summer Olympics are starting in their city in a few days. What's more, they are demanding compensation because, in their opinion, traffic in their establishments has decreased by up to 70 percent. This downturn is attributed to security-related restrictions.

Several French organizations representing restaurateurs have issued a special statement. People running food businesses complain about overly extensive security measures and the division of Paris into restricted access zones. This has led to tourists being unable to reach certain establishments, resulting in a drop in revenue for restaurateurs.

Restaurateurs understand that ensuring the safety of the Olympics' guests is an absolute priority. However, they emphasize that the lack of information prevented them from preparing for the restrictions.

For example, Parisian restaurants and bars in the Trocadero Square are disadvantaged due to access restrictions, and attendance has dropped by 70 percent. Meanwhile, according to restaurateurs, metal barriers on the most famous streets of Paris deter customers.

These troubles have been compounded by political unrest following the elections (France still does not have a government—PAP) and unfavorable weather at the beginning of the season.

The statement's signatories appeal to the establishment of compensation conditions for entities in their industry, pointing out that many small businesses are at risk of closure.