Observed Signal · Jul 25, 2022 · Policy Update · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
France Requires Air-Conditioned Shops to Keep Doors Closed
France has ordered shops using air conditioning to keep their doors closed as much as possible in an effort to reduce energy consumption. According to The Guardian, the French government plans to back the measure with a decree in the coming days; shopkeepers who violate the rule face fines of up to €750. French Minister for Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher said open doors increase energy use by 20%, calling the practice 'absurd.' The government also plans to restrict illuminated advertising signs, banning them nationwide between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m., with exceptions for airports and train stations. Several French cities had already issued local ordinances imposing fines on air-conditioned shops with open doors during the July heatwave. Before enforcing the nationwide rules, the government intends to run an information campaign to raise awareness among shop owners about energy waste.
French regulation restricting illuminated advertising hours directly impacts OOH/DOOH inventory availability in France; while not globally industry-shifting, it is a notable advertising policy change.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The French government ordered shops with air conditioning to keep their doors closed, with fines up to €750 for violations.
- Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher said open doors increase energy consumption by 20%.
- A decree confirming the measure is expected in the coming days.
- France plans to ban illuminated advertising signs between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m., with exceptions for airports and train stations.
- Some French cities had already introduced municipal fines for air-conditioned shops with open doors in July.
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