Switzerland/New agreement for terraces in small shops in Lausanne

Food shops in Lausanne will now be able to open terraces under an innovative agreement. This measure, limited to nine places per terrace, excludes the sale of alcohol and aims to boost local commerce and the urban atmosphere.

Food stores in Lausanne will now be able to set up terraces. An unprecedented agreement, aimed at supporting small shops and enlivening public space, has been reached between the City of Lausanne and the economic associations for commerce, catering and the food trade.

"The businesses concerned include bakeries, patisseries, chocolate shops, confectioners, butchers, delicatessens, cheese shops, fisheries, fishmongers, etc.cheries, fishmongers, grocery stores, ice-cream parlors, delicatessens, coffee roasters and tea stores", explains the City of Lausanne in a press release on Tuesday.

To be allowed to open a terrace, a business must offer an assortment consisting of at least two-thirds food products. The space may not offer more than nine places, while its operating hours will be aligned with those of shops, i.e. closing generally at 7 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends. The sale of alcohol will not be permitted, and an annual fee of 84 francs per m2 will apply.

These conditions have been set in agreement with GastroLausanne and GastroVaud, says the city. Until now, only establishments holding a license under the Vaud Law on Inns and Drinking Places (LADB) could operate a terrace.

13% discount for restaurateurs

In return, "in response to the demanding framework conditions in the restaurant sector and increased competition", the city will grant a 13% discount on the public domain occupation tax for terraces operated by LADB-licensed establishments. In addition, florists will now be allowed to occupy the public domain free of charge, "to thank them for the beautification of the city".

With regard to terraces, the rules will be the same for both small shops and restaurants. Plastic furniture and advertising parasols will be banned, advertising processes will be subject to rules, and authorization from the relevant departments will be required before any opening.

Enhancing the city's appeal

"Terraces and florists enhance urban life. Small food businesses contribute to the attractiveness of the city and a pleasant urban life", said Pierre-Antoine Hildbrand, municipal councillor in charge of the economy, quoted in the press release. To date, Lausanne has more than 650 terraces and 23 florists, he added.

Interested shopkeepers can now submit an application to the Service de l'économie. A joint assessment will be made in a year's time.

Source: www.blick.ch/