Four Beach Restaurant and Bar Concessions in Menton Suspended Amidst Irregularities
Menton, Alpes-Maritimes – Four concessions for beach restaurants and bars in the town of Menton, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, have been suspended by the local administrative court. The decision was made following irregularities discovered during an investigation by the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes department.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation was initiated after the prefecture conducted legality checks on the concession procedures. The inspections revealed potential violations that were subsequently reported to the authorities. The municipality of Menton was initially given the opportunity to terminate the contracts without resorting to legal action, but the proposal was not accepted.
Irregularities in Concession Procedures
Out of the seven concessions under scrutiny, three were deemed compliant and allowed to maintain their locations. However, a review by the investigating judge raised serious doubts about the legality of the remaining four establishments. Due to the gravity of the irregularities and the inability to rectify them, the court determined that the contracts should be suspended.
Context of the Concessions
In 2023, the city of Menton renewed the concessions for these establishments through public service delegations with a duration of 12 years. These agreements allow restaurateurs and beach operators to operate within a designated area along the beach promenade from April 15th to October 15th.
Legal Challenges and Delays
The selection of candidates for the concessions at Les Sablettes beach previously faced legal challenges when four former operators contested their exclusion from the process. However, their appeals were unsuccessful, which further fueled the controversy surrounding the assignments.
Impact on the Municipality
The suspension of the four concessions presents a setback for the municipality of Menton. The legality of the procedures will need to be re-examined, potentially leading to new candidate applications and a reevaluation of the concession assignments.
Mayor’s Response
Yves Juhel, the Mayor of Menton, has announced the municipality’s intention to appeal the decision. The legal battle could further delay the resolution of the irregularities and the reassignment of the affected concessions.
Consequences for the Concessionaires
The suspension of the concessions has immediate consequences for the affected businesses. They must cease operations until the legal process is resolved or the irregularities are rectified. This could result in a significant financial loss for the concessionaires, particularly during the peak tourist season.
Ongoing Investigations
The investigation into the concession irregularities is ongoing. Further discoveries could lead to additional suspensions or even the revocation of concessions. The prefecture and the administrative court remain committed to ensuring the legality and integrity of the public service delegations.
Public Scrutiny
The controversy surrounding the beach concessions in Menton has heightened public scrutiny and raised concerns about transparency in the bidding process. The municipality faces pressure to address the irregularities and restore trust in the system.
