Increased fire safety audits are forcing bars across France to close

A sharp intensification of fire safety inspections on bars and nightclubs, prompted by a deadly blaze in Switzerland, has led to the closure of many venues around the country.

Since mid-January, prefectures and town halls have accelerated both planned and surprise inspections of establishments classed as établissements recevant du public (ERP). Dozens of venues have already been issued with unfavourable safety opinions, triggering temporary or emergency closures.

The renewed vigilance follows the fire at the Constellation bar/nightclub in Crans-Montana (Switzerland) on January 1, which killed 40 people and injured more than 100. 

The nightclub owner faces charges linked to negligent homicide and fire safety failures.

In the days after the disaster, the French Interior Ministry asked prefects to step up controls of bars, clubs and other late-night venues.

‘Numerous serious failings’

In Rennes, a multi-agency safety commission carried out overnight inspections in the historic city centre on January 17-18. 

Five venues were checked by teams including representatives of the prefecture, city hall, fire services and state technical departments. 

Four were judged unsafe to operate and ordered to close immediately due to non-compliance with fire prevention rules, including blocked exits and inadequate safety equipment.

Near Lyon, the mayor of Corbas issued an emergency closure order against the well-known Javoo nightclub after a surprise inspection revealed “numerous serious failings”. 

These included non-compliant fire protection systems, obstructed emergency exits, dangerous electrical installations and overcrowding beyond the authorised capacity.

Inspectors also found flammable materials stored near electrical equipment, as well as the use of shisha pipes in areas not approved for them. 

The venue had also carried out an unauthorised extension to the building, despite having been refused planning permission.

Although the club’s management says all deficiencies have since been corrected, the mayor has insisted that reopening will only be authorised once compliance is formally verified and outstanding planning issues resolved.

In Belfort, a bar was closed by municipal order following an unannounced inspection that identified a malfunctioning fire alarm, lack of smoke extraction, obstructed emergency exits and unchecked electrical systems. 

Officials said the establishment had already been warned after a previous inspection in 2024, but that the situation had deteriorated rather than improved.

Local authorities stress that such controls are not new, but figures suggest enforcement is tightening.

 In the Territoire de Belfort alone, safety commissions carried out 232 inspections in 2025, issuing 26 unfavourable opinions. 

Prefectures have now reminded mayors of their powers and responsibilities, and further targeted inspections are planned nationwide.

Officials have also begun cracking down on practices considered high-risk, including the use of sparkling candles on bottles, which several cities have now banned outright.