Top baker told not to work so much

AN AWARD-WINNING boulanger has landed himself in trouble with the law - because his shop opened seven days a week.

Stéphane Cazenave, who runs a boulangerie in Saint-Paul-les-Dax, Landes, has fallen foul of a 1999 prefectural order that requires any shop that sells bread to remain closed for at least one day every week.

He was summoned to court after two visits from officials, and although he runs his business in line with employment and social rules, his bakery will now be shut every Monday to comply with the order.

"People see me like a thug just because I asked to work," he told France 3. "Working shouldn't be a crime in France."

He said that the enforced weekly closure would cost €250,000, and would force him to lay-off some members of his 22-strong staff.

Now, seven bakers, with the support of the local chamber of commerce and industry have demanded a meeting with the prefecture in Landes.

In 2014, Mr Cazenave’s traditional baguette was voted the best in France.

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Photo: France 3 screengrab