Tobacconists who were victims of damage and theft resulting in a closure for at least three consecutive days during the urban riots that occurred after Nahel’s death will be able to benefit from a lump sum aid of 10,000 euros, according to a decree published Thursday. To benefit from this exceptional aid paid by the State, tobacconists must have “suffered damage, destruction, theft, during urban riots, resulting in a closure of at least three consecutive days”, during violence “occurred between June 27 and July 5, 2023”, specifies the decree dated August 2 published in the Official Journal (JO).
“It is very important not to let them down”, declared the Minister Delegate in charge of Public Accounts Thomas Cazenave, traveling to a disaster-stricken tobacconist in Talence, in the suburbs of Bordeaux, to present this measure. “It’s a local business, it’s part of the life of our cities and of the social bond. It is important to be by their side and to allow them to restart in the best possible conditions”, he added, quantifying the total envelope at “a little more than two million euros”. This flat-rate aid must in particular make it possible “to support the security of businesses”, he specified.
According to the latest report from the National Confederation of Tobacconists, 545 tobacconists were damaged, including 64 burned down and completely destroyed, a spokesperson told AFP on Thursday, estimating “the loss ratio at more than 20 million euros “. Tobacconists will have to provide proof that their business has been closed for at least three consecutive days. Any retailer in activity who is not a member of a national professional union of tobacconists, “managing an ordinary, permanent or seasonal, or special tobacco outlet” may apply until September 15 to benefit from it, with the general directorate of customs.
Members of the National Confederation of tobacconists, which brings together some 23,300 traders, will be able to go through this professional union. Philippe Coy, its president, said he was “satisfied” with the implementation of this aid. “This support system (…) is important because we have been largely impacted by the nights of riots and this essential business must reopen as soon as possible,” he told the press Thursday in Talence. This exceptional system is part of the 2023-2027 memorandum of understanding on support for the network of tobacconists, indicates the decree.
