According to France’s Minister of Ecological Transition Agnes Pannier-Runacher, leaving the doors open when the air conditioner is running results in “20 percent extra usage and… it’s crazy.”
With a punishment of up to 750 Euros ($766), the government now intends to apply this to the entire nation, but will prioritize educating shops first.
There are also proposals, according to the minister, to limit the usage of lighted signage.
According to Pannier-Runacher, who spoke to the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, “In the coming days, I will publish two decrees: the first will broaden the prohibition on lighted advertising, regardless of the size of the city, between 1 am and 6 am,” with the exception of airports and stations.
“The second will prohibit businesses from leaving their doors open when the heating and air conditioning are operating.”
France, which recently experienced a heatwave along with the rest of Europe, approved local bylaws in July that imposed fines on air-conditioned stores that violated them.