Lyon, June 21, 2026 – The administrative court of Lyon has sided with Mayor Grégory Doucet, upholding the municipal order to close ‘L’Anticlub,’ an underground concert bar located in the 9th arrondissement of Lyon. The closure, initiated on March 12, 2026, was due to “serious anomalies” and “significant deficiencies” observed during a safety inspection, which posed an “immediate risk to public safety.”
Mayor’s Order Followed Safety Inspection
The decision to close ‘L’Anticlub,’ situated at 32 quai Arloing, was made after a visit by security services on March 11, 2026. According to the city officials, the bar not only presented serious safety concerns but also lacked the necessary public opening authorization.
Mayor Grégory Doucet (Les Écologistes) stated that the deficiencies were “likely to create an immediate risk to public safety.” City officials further emphasized that “the establishment had not obtained any public opening authorization,” reinforcing the mayor’s decision.
‘L’Anticlub’ Appeals, Citing Economic Prejudice
In response to the closure order, ‘L’Anticlub,’ known for its “underground culture” featuring “rap ACAB queer and feminist” concerts and DJ sets, filed an urgent appeal with the administrative court on April 17, 2026. The bar’s legal counsel argued that the mayor’s order caused “immediate, serious, and irreversible economic damage” to the association.
The legal team also claimed that the closure negatively impacted the bar’s “image,” its “freedom of association,” and Lyon’s “cultural life.” They further criticized the city for delaying the inspection, noting that the bar had been operating and welcoming the public since at least September 2025.
The bar’s lawyer contended that “no serious breach of safety rules was observed” and that “there was no urgency to close the establishment; regularization measures were possible and had begun to be implemented.” They dismissed the city’s findings as “stereotyped observations” insufficient to justify such a “radical measure.”
Court Rejects Appeal, Upholds Closure
However, the judge of the administrative court of Lyon, in an order dated May 7, 2026, which has now been made public, rejected ‘L’Anticlub’s’ request. The judge stated, “However, at the current stage of the investigation, the arguments (…) invoked by the association (…) are not such as to create serious doubt as to the legality of the contested order.”
The court’s decision effectively means that the mayor’s closure order was legally sound, and the bar’s appeal for an urgent suspension was unsuccessful.
Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for Renovations
Following the court’s decision, ‘L’Anticlub’ has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Leetchi to “carry out the necessary work” and “bring the space up to standard to guarantee the safety of everyone.” The association explained to its donors, “This is an important step to allow the project to continue to exist and to perpetuate this place that brings us together.”
The bar emphasized its community-driven nature, stating, “L’Anticlub has always been a collective space, built thanks to the energy and support of its community. Today, we are appealing to you.”
The future of ‘L’Anticlub’ now depends on its ability to raise funds and complete the necessary renovations to meet safety standards and obtain the required authorizations for public operation.
