Historic LGBT Bar in Lyon Risks Closure Over Noise Issues

XS Bar Lyon could be forced to close

🏳️‍🌈 XS Bar facing city hall pressure over outdoor violations

For over 15 years, XS Bar has stood at the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île as a beloved institution in the city’s LGBT+ nightlife. With just 17 square meters inside, the venue is known for its vibrant energy and loyal gay clientele. But the future of this iconic bar is now uncertain. Wilfried Carbonell, who took over as manager in May 2025, recently received a formal warning from Lyon’s city hall. The notification calls for immediate compliance with regulations on outdoor space usage—specifically, the removal of high-top tables placed on the sidewalk.

Carbonell warns that adhering to these new restrictions could be fatal for the business. “Without a functioning terrace, we simply can’t operate. The bar won’t survive,” he says.

🎉 EuroGames celebrations spark controversy

The dispute dates back to the night of July 25, 2025—the eve of the EuroGames opening, a major LGBT+ sporting event co-hosted by the city of Lyon. That night, large crowds descended unexpectedly on XS Bar, overwhelming the small venue. Officials claim the gathering resulted in excessive noise and that the bar exceeded its authorized terrace boundaries.

Carbonell says the sudden influx took him by surprise. “We were expecting people the next day. I had authorization for the terrace starting July 26,” he explains. “It’s not my fault the crowd showed up early—we’re Lyon’s best-known gay bar.” He also criticizes a perceived contradiction in the city’s posture. “They promote ‘Lyon is proud,’ but don’t seem to support their LGBT+ businesses when it matters.”

⚖️ Stricter laws threaten XS Bar’s survival

Since receiving the notice, Carbonell has taken concrete steps to comply: replacing high tables with standard seating, posting signs reminding patrons to keep noise down, and hiring security for crowd control. Despite these changes, he remains concerned. “If people can’t enjoy a drink standing outside, we won’t make it. The terrace is essential to our business model.”

This issue is compounded by a citywide policy enforcement that began in January 2025. A regulation passed in March 2024 prohibits standing while drinking on terraces anywhere in Lyon, a move that directly impacts social venues like XS Bar.

🏛️ Other local businesses also under scrutiny

XS Bar isn’t the only venue suffering under elevated enforcement. Café 203, another popular bar on the Presqu’île, is also facing sanctions. Its manager, Christophe Cédat, believes these measures go beyond mere zoning issues. “It feels like political targeting disguised as a health and safety crackdown,” he says. “They’re putting our financial futures in jeopardy.”

Lyon officials reject those accusations. Urban planning deputy Valentin Lungenstrass stresses, “Enforcement is based solely on observed infractions. A business owner’s political or personal opinions have no impact on regulatory procedures.”

🧾 Resident complaints led to city intervention

According to city hall, the issue was initially flagged by neighborhood residents. In July, 68 locals from Rue Claudia submitted a formal complaint to the mayor of Lyon’s 2nd district, citing repeated noise disturbances from XS Bar.

During an inspection on July 25, authorities documented multiple violations, including unauthorized use of public space and non-compliant terrace furniture. This led to an initial warning in August, followed by an official notice served on September 19.

📆 City leaves door open for dialogue

Despite the formal notice, city officials say the process remains administrative and aims to encourage voluntary conformity. They also indicate that violations during one-off events such as the EuroGames will be judged differently from ongoing infractions.

However, a follow-up inspection on September 26 found that the venue’s outdoor setup was still obstructing pedestrian access, deepening the conflict.

😟 Owner stressed, community rallies behind XS Bar

As he waits for a scheduled meeting with city officials, Wilfried Carbonell admits he’s feeling overwhelmed. “I haven’t slept in weeks. This is my first business venture—I believed it would be a fresh start,” he shares. Before entering the nightlife industry, Carbonell ran a dating site focused on the LGBT community.

In an effort to support the bar, longtime patrons have launched an online petition. For many, XS Bar represents more than nightlife—it serves as a safe, inclusive space that plays a vital role in Lyon’s LGBT+ identity and culture.