Synchoract, a French trade body for hospitality operators, is asking counterparts across Europe and the World to observe a minute’s silence at 9pm Central European Time and share images of their support online.
The directors of Synchoract wrote to trade bodies across Europe: “Many of you have sent us, since Friday night for some of you, very kind messages. Thanks to you, we can see our European unity and the common objective to defend the European way of life : enjoy a drink, a meal, a match, a concert, that is to say, a moment with friends in conviviality.
"Our sector of hospitality seems to be threatened but we will resist and show to all of them who has attacked it, that we are stronger.
"We have decided to take part to a most peaceful initiative: Tous au bistrot! (“Let’s all meet at the bar!”) on Tuesday 17th November. At 9pm in all terraces of bars in Paris, in France, and we hope with your support all over Europe, a minute of silence will be observed.”
In response to the message Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: “Having lived through this ourselves, London and the whole of the UK stands as one with you.
“These are dark times, but if we stop our everyday activities, then the terrorists will surely have won and this is a simple way of showing that the freedom to spend time with family and friends, socialising and enjoying each other’s company is precious to us. Every day we create a space for our guests to escape for a short while and [on the 17th] we will do the same.”