Under-16s Curfew in Toulouse: What Does It Mean for Young Fans?

In a significant move, the city of Toulouse has imposed a night-time curfew for under-16s, a decision that comes in the wake of urban violence incidents recently and is set to take effect during the FIFA World Cup. This curfew, beginning from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., is aimed at ensuring the safety of minors and residents alike. The first test of this measure will occur on Saturday evening during the highly anticipated match between Brazil and Morocco. Local authorities, led by center-right mayor Jean-Luc Moudenc, crafted this decree in consultation with the prefecture and national police, emphasizing the need for safety amid the festive yet potentially chaotic atmosphere surrounding the World Cup celebrations.

Now, what does this mean for the kids? Well, they can still be out and about if they’re with a parent or legal guardian or if they’re facing a medical emergency. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, really. Alongside the curfew, the city is creating a fan zone that can host up to 18,000 supporters, a response to demands from the left-wing opposition. This fan zone will be set up on the Île du Ramier, ready to welcome fans if France advances to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, or the big final. But not everyone is happy with this curfew, mind you. LFI MP François Piquemal, a former rival of Moudenc, has branded the measure as “madness,” claiming it disproportionately penalizes young people during the tournament.

And it’s not just Toulouse getting in on the action. The historic capital of Auvergne, Moulins, with a population of 19,000, has also introduced a curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. for minors, complete with a hefty €150 fine for violations. No fan zones there, not even if France makes it to the final! The right-wing mayor, Julien Bony, has even instructed bars to turn their screens inward to prevent crowds from gathering outside. It’s a response to previous incidents after the Champions League final, which saw unrest fueled by social media calls for riots.

Meanwhile, cities like Marseille and Lyon are taking different routes. Marseille won’t set up a fan zone, while Lyon’s Green-led city hall is still weighing its options, depending on how far the French team goes in the tournament. For now, they’re encouraging locals to watch matches in bars and bistros instead. And guess what? Strasbourg is already gearing up to show France’s matches on a giant screen and bar terraces! In Vénissieux, the LFI mayor is promising a vibrant summer with match screenings at various locations and even a barbecue area! They want to showcase teams from all over the globe, though many matches are slated for the middle of the night due to time zone differences.

As for Paris, the situation remains uncertain. The city officials have expressed a desire for a fan zone, but nothing is set in stone yet. With the World Cup around the corner, one can’t help but wonder how these curfews and regulations will shape the experience of young fans in these cities. Will they be able to celebrate the beautiful game freely, or will restrictions dampen the spirit? Only time will tell as we move deeper into this World Cup season…

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber