Lyon Supermarket Faces One-Month Closure for Persistent Late-Night Alcohol Sales
Lyon, January 27, 2026 – Smia Market, a supermarket situated at 29 rue Romarin in the heart of Lyon’s 1st arrondissement, near the Hôtel de Ville, has been closed for a period of one month by decree of the Rhône Prefecture. The closure, which commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, was imposed due to the establishment’s repeated disregard for regulations prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 9 PM.
According to reports, this is not the first instance of the supermarket facing sanctions for similar infractions, indicating a pattern of non-compliance by its management.
Repeated Violations and Official Warnings
Authorities have documented multiple instances of Smia Market selling alcoholic beverages well past the legal cut-off time. National Police observed the sale of a bottle of vodka at 4:30 AM on October 14, 2025, a clear violation of administrative prohibitions. Further sales of beer after 9 PM were recorded by municipal police on November 14 and 16, 2025, leading to official reports being filed against the manager.
The Rhône Prefecture, under the authority of Fabienne Buccio, issued two registered letters to the manager on November 20 and 26, 2025, warning of potential consequences. However, these warnings reportedly went unanswered, prompting the prefecture to take decisive action.
Impact on Public Order and Safety
The decision to close Smia Market for a month stems from the prefectural assessment that the continued sale of alcohol and the accessibility of alcoholic beverages within the establishment contribute to disturbances of public order, safety, and tranquility in the area. This sector of Lyon, located in close proximity to the Terreaux, is known for its vibrant nightlife, making adherence to alcohol sales regulations particularly crucial.
The prefecture emphasized that such activities create an environment conducive to public nuisance, necessitating stringent measures to maintain peace and order for residents and visitors alike.
Previous Closures and Manager’s Non-Compliance
The supermarket’s history of non-compliance underscores the prefecture’s firm stance. Past closures for similar activities suggest a persistent failure on the part of the management to adhere to legal requirements, despite previous warnings and penalties. This latest closure serves as a clear message regarding the seriousness with which authorities view such repeated infractions.
The one-month closure is expected to provide a period of reflection for the management of Smia Market and to reinforce the importance of respecting public order regulations within the city of Lyon.
