With more than 1,000 bistros, Saint Etienne is one of the leading cities in France for the number of cafés/bars per capita. Is alcoholism linked to this large number of establishments? Georges Dubanchet, deputy mayor of Saint Etienne, does not think so, according to him alcoholism does not need coffees to develop. Mireille Pers, of the Defense Committee against Alcoholism, also relativizes the alcohol consumption of Saint-Etienne. The city of Saint Etienne develops green spaces, sports facilities, the development of the Pilat, all these new places can help in the fight against alcoholism.
Saint Etienne, long associated with the black city, linked to the exploitation of coal mines is also known for its number of bistros. Here the queen boissson is red wine, far ahead of aperitifs and even beer. There was a time when miners drank 7 to 8 litres a day.
Like the cafés, the lay friends are legion in Saint Etienne. Places of meetings, practice of games but also of sports, the lay friendly always gather as many Stephanois and Stephanoises.
The bistros in Saint Etienne are numerous, but each one to its regular audience, why this one rather than another? The baroness, owner of a bistro where young people gather, gives us her reasons.