XS Bar Lyon facing possible shutdown

🏳️‍🌈 XS Bar under pressure following a warning from Lyon’s city hall

Located in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île for over 15 years, XS Bar is considered one of the city’s most iconic LGBT venues. Known for its warm and lively atmosphere, the compact 17-square-meter space attracts a loyal gay clientele and operates as a vital community hub. However, ever since the summer, the bar’s future has been uncertain: Wilfried Carbonell, who took over as manager in May 2025, has received a formal notice from Lyon’s city hall. The notice demands compliance with outdoor space regulations, especially regarding the removal of high-top tables on the sidewalk.

According to Carbonell, the order could mean the end for the establishment. “Without a usable terrace, there’s no way the bar can survive,” he warns.

🎉 EuroGames kickoff party triggers conflict

The tensions stem from the night of July 25, 2025, on the eve of the highly anticipated EuroGames in Lyon, an LGBT+ sports event co-organized with the city. That evening, a large crowd spontaneously gathered at XS Bar, far exceeding the expectations of the staff. City officials argue that the gathering led to noise disturbances and unauthorized placement of outdoor furniture beyond permitted limits.

Carbonell says he was unprepared for the early arrival of EuroGames visitors and insists he had already secured permission for terrace usage the following day. “It’s not my fault the crowd came early. We’re Lyon’s most famous gay bar,” he defends. He also calls out an apparent contradiction: “The city proclaims ‘Lyon is proud,’ yet doesn’t back its LGBT-friendly businesses.”

⚖️ Stricter regulations threaten the bar’s business model

In response to the warning, Carbonell has taken several steps to comply: replacing high-top tables with standard tables and chairs, installing signage to limit noise, and even hiring a security guard. Still, he’s concerned these changes won’t be enough. “If people can’t stand outside and have a drink, I’ll have to close,” he says.

It’s worth noting that since March 2024, consuming drinks while standing on terraces has been officially banned across all of Lyon, with tightened enforcement beginning in January 2025.

🏛️ Other businesses hit with similar sanctions

XS Bar is not alone. Café 203, another well-known spot located on Lyon’s Presqu’île, is facing comparable sanctions. Christophe Cédat, its manager, criticizes what he sees as a health-based crackdown by city authorities, hinting at selective enforcement. “It feels like political targeting. They’re putting the financial survival of our businesses at risk,” he says.

The city denies these accusations. Urban planning deputy Valentin Lungenstrass maintains: “Our actions are solely based on observed violations. The personal or political views of business owners play no part in how these matters are handled.”

🧾 Resident complaints sparked enforcement

According to city officials, action was triggered by complaints from local residents on Rue Claudia. In July, 68 individuals sent a joint letter to the 2nd district mayor’s office, citing repeated disturbances caused by the XS Bar.

During a municipal inspection on July 25, authorities documented territorial overreach on the sidewalk and non-compliant outdoor furnishings. These violations resulted in an initial warning from the prefecture in late August, followed by a formal notice from the city on September 19.

📆 Opportunity for discussion still open, says city hall

The city insists that the formal notice is part of a routine administrative procedure aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance. City officials emphasize that infractions related to exceptional events, such as the EuroGames, are viewed differently than ongoing violations.

Nonetheless, a follow-up inspection on September 26 found that the bar’s terrace entirely blocked pedestrian access.

😟 Bar owner overwhelmed, hoping for resolution

As he awaits a scheduled meeting with city representatives, Wilfried Carbonell admits he’s under immense stress. “I can’t sleep. This is my first venture — I really thought it would go differently,” he reveals. Previously, Carbonell ran an LGBT dating site before entering the hospitality business.

In support of the establishment, loyal patrons have launched an online petition. For many regulars, XS Bar is more than just a nightlife spot — it’s a safe space symbolizing freedom and identity for Lyon’s LGBT+ community.