Lyon Mayor Orders Closure of ‘Anticlub’ Bar Following Safety Concerns; Administrative Court Upholds Decision
Lyon, June 21, 2026 – The Mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet, has ordered the closure of ‘l’Anticlub,’ an underground concert bar located at 32 quai Arloing in the 9th arrondissement, citing “serious anomalies” and a lack of proper authorization for public operation. The administrative court of Lyon has since upheld this municipal decision, rejecting the bar’s urgent appeal.
The closure order, signed by Mayor Doucet (Les Écologistes), was issued on March 12, 2026, following a visit by safety services on March 11. These services identified “serious deficiencies” and “serious anomalies” deemed to pose an “immediate risk to public safety.” City officials also noted that the establishment “had not obtained any authorization to open to the public.”
“Immediate, Serious, and Irreversible Economic Harm”
L’Anticlub, which promotes “underground culture” including “ACAB queer and feminist rap concerts” and “DJ sets,” filed an appeal with the administrative court on April 17, 2026. The bar’s legal representative argued that the mayor’s order caused “immediate, serious, and irreversible economic harm” to the association. They also claimed it damaged the bar’s “image,” infringed upon “freedom of association,” and negatively impacted Lyon’s “cultural life.”
The bar’s lawyer further criticized the city of Lyon for its delayed action, stating, “The municipality was slow to inspect the establishment; it should have conducted a visit earlier and therefore did not act diligently.” The bar had reportedly been open to the public since at least September 2025.
Court Rejects Bar’s Appeal
Despite these arguments, the administrative court’s judge of interim measures rejected l’Anticlub’s request in an order dated May 7, 2026, which was recently made public. The judge concluded that the arguments put forth by the association “are not likely to create serious doubt as to the legality of the contested order.”
The court’s decision effectively confirmed the legality of the municipal closure order, siding with the city’s assessment of the safety risks and the bar’s lack of proper operating permits.
Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for Renovations
In response to the closure, the association operating l’Anticlub has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Leetchi. The goal of the campaign is to raise funds for “the necessary work” to “bring the space up to standard to ensure the safety of all.” The association stated, “This is an important step to allow the project to continue to exist and to perpetuate this place that brings us together.”
L’Anticlub emphasized its collective 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 closure of l’Anticlub highlights the ongoing efforts by municipal authorities to ensure public safety in establishments operating within the city, particularly those hosting public events.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/a-cause-de-graves-anomalies-constatees-gregory-doucet-fait-fermer-ce-bar-de-lyon-la-justice-lui-donne-le-point_64425664.html
