Key facts
- Moulins, Toulouse, and Clermont-Ferrand have imposed night-time curfews on individuals under 16 during the FIFA World Cup.
- The measures aim to prevent disturbances and ensure public safety.
- Minors are permitted to be out if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or in case of medical emergencies.
- Toulouse's curfew is from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., while Clermont-Ferrand's is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Clermont-Ferrand has also opted not to host fan zones and requested bars screen matches indoors.
Several French municipalities have enacted night-time curfews for individuals under the age of 16 during the FIFA World Cup, citing a need to manage public order and ensure safety during major football events. Moulins, a city of 19,000 inhabitants, recently followed the lead of larger cities like Toulouse and Clermont-Ferrand by implementing such a measure.
Toulouse's curfew, in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. across an extended city center area, aims to "guarantee the safety of Toulouse residents and of minors," according to the municipality. The order was adopted in consultation with the prefecture and national police. Minors are permitted to move during these hours if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or for specific reasons such as a medical emergency.
Clermont-Ferrand has implemented even stricter measures, with a curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and a €150 fine for non-compliance. The city will not host any fan zones, and its mayor has requested that bars showing matches turn their screens inward to prevent street gatherings. These restrictions were justified by incidents that occurred after the Champions League final.
While some cities like Marseille are not planning fan zones, others are considering or organizing them. Paris is finalizing arrangements, and Lyon views fan zones as a possibility depending on France's progress. Strasbourg will show matches on a giant screen, and Vénissieux is planning screenings with bar and barbecue facilities.