A restaurant closed due to health rules to fight the Covid-19 epidemic. (Drawing) – xavier FRANCOLON / SIPA
A restaurant opened illegally and receiving government aid. Wednesday noon, the police caught red-handed a restaurateur from Neuilly-sur-Seine (Hauts-de-Seine) while he was receiving the public in his establishment in violation of the health rules in force against the Covid-19 epidemic . His server was also arrested and the two men were taken into custody for endangering the sight of others, detailed the Nanterre prosecutor’s office.
The two men were released but a preliminary investigation for endangering others, irregular opening of an establishment open to the public and undeclared work was opened. For these facts, the restaurant owner faces up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros.
20,000 euros of government aid affected
Behind the gate of the closed establishment, the police discovered twenty-four customers at the table. These were fined, said the prosecution. The first elements of the investigation revealed that the trader had kept his business open since last November, that he had received 20,000 euros in government aid and managed to obtain a salary of 2,000 euros per month, detailed the police.
Bars and restaurants have been closed for almost five months as part of government measures intended to curb the spread of Covid-19.