The Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes has ordered the administrative closure of the nightclub “You” in Antibes Juan-les-Pins. A 21-year-old woman was severely burned during the night of July 26 to 27. The manager and the bartender have been taken into custody.
The incident occurred last Saturday night to Sunday, around 2:40 in the morning. A 21-year-old woman was in the nightclub “You” in Juan-les-Pins when she was seriously injured during an animation conducted by the club’s bartender. The bartender reportedly lit an alcoholic shot on the counter, causing a burst of flames.
The scene took a dramatic turn when the fire spread to the customer. She was burned to the second and third degree on nearly 20% of her body surface. The victim was quickly attended to by emergency services and then transferred to the Timone hospital in Marseille.
Three other people were also slightly injured in the face, according to preliminary reports from the emergency services.
The bartender responsible for the maneuver was an experienced 35-year-old employee. Toxicology tests conducted immediately after the incident showed no traces of alcohol or drugs in his system, according to the management of the establishment.
Imposed Closure, Operating License Revoked
After several days of waiting, the Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes made a decision. In a statement released on Tuesday, July 30, the Deputy Prefect of Grasse, Jean-Claude Geney, announced a six-month administrative closure against the nightclub. This is the maximum duration allowed by regulations. This decision automatically results in the cancellation of the establishment’s operating license.
According to information provided by the prefecture, the performance carried out was not listed on the official menu of the establishment. It was reportedly improvised by the bartender without proper supervision or protection. The nightclub’s security manager was not present at the time of the incident. Moreover, the surveillance cameras were not operational during the incident.
The statement highlights a “very strong negligence and a breach of obligations in terms of safety and risk prevention.”
The Grasse prosecutor’s office has opened a judicial investigation for unintentional injuries resulting in a temporary incapacity to work exceeding three months. The bartender and the nightclub manager have been taken into custody for questioning.
Witnesses Sought
The exact circumstances of the incident remain to be clarified. The Antibes police station is continuing its investigations and has issued a call for witnesses. Anyone present in the nightclub at the time of the incident is invited to approach office 304 at the police station.
Meanwhile, the managers of the nightclub have posted a message on social media, announcing the voluntary closure of the venue the day after the accident: “Following the recent events at our establishment, and out of respect for the victim, her family, and our clients, we have decided to close YOU until further notice.”
The nightclub, located in the heart of the tourist area of Juan-les-Pins, was frequented by a young crowd and attracted several hundred customers each weekend. This closure in the middle of the summer season will have an impact on employment and the economic activity of the neighborhood.
A Contested Practice
Flaming cocktails are often used in bars to create a festive atmosphere. However, these displays are not without risk. Several similar incidents have been reported in France in recent years, particularly in establishments where safety measures were insufficient.
In this case, preliminary investigations suggest that the prevention measures were not followed. No specific protection was reportedly planned around the counter. The security personnel were not able to intervene immediately, according to initial findings.
The prosecutor’s office will need to determine whether working conditions, safety instructions, and legal obligations were properly respected. If serious faults are established, criminal charges could be filed.
The young woman who was burned remains hospitalized in Marseille. Her condition is considered stable but serious. She is reportedly placed in an artificial coma.
