top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Normandy city takes hard line on public drunkenness

€120 cost of transport to drunk tank will be added to €150 fine

The Normandy city of Caen is doubling down on instances of public drunkenness.

As well as a fine of €150 for anyone who is drunk in public, an additional €120 to cover the cost of transportation to a nominated clinic or drunk tank, or to a safe room at a police or gendarmerie station, to 'sleep it off' will be added to all infringements.

The Public Health Code has allowed for this additional charge to be included for several years, but it is applied by few cities in France.

A total 149 people were arrested in Caen for being drunk in public in 2017, France 3 reports. They were all taken to one clinic for observation and protection while they were intoxicated.

Orléans was the first city to take such action against public displays of drunkenness in 2015, when it decided to charge drunk drivers for their treatment. A spokesman for the capital of Centre-Val de Loire region said that cases of public drunkenness had dropped 30% since 2014 levels.

"I am not saying that the result is directly related to the implementation of the system, however, it is obvious that it contributes to the decline of this phenomenon," the spokesman said.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France