Might have the opportunity to run a bar in S France

[Stephenmozza]

Hi all,

I'm a uk resident with no ties bar a few loans / credit cards.

Some friends of mine have lived over in a small village in Southern France for 4+ years.

They are interested in taking over their local bar as the guy running it has had enough of the lifestyle.

I used to run nightclub bars in my youth.

If they can sort the finances out and take it over I might go down and run it for them.

Can anyone advise the major pitfalls. My previous experience is hands on rather than financial.

Ex pat bar owners advice would be much appreciated.

They are well liked locally by the trade and civic authorities.

I don't have much french but will crash course heavily if going to proceed.

Much appreciated

[Bevdeforges]

I don't know that much about running a bar here in France, but I do work with the taxes and labor law. Be very clear with your friends what your precise status will be. French law makes a big distinction between the "owners" and "employees." Employees have lots of rights - vacation time, limited hours, getting paid, insurance, etc. etc. Owners have no rights whatsoever and the guy designated as "gérant" of the company literally takes on all legal risk personally - even if he is technically an employee of the company.
Cheers,
Bev