Launched nearly 75 years ago today, January 10, 1929, closed in 1978 after an incredible series, the Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice opens its doors today, Monday, January 5, 2004. Conducted by Patrick Caron (48 years), the new 4-star luxury Concorde (the same sign as the Crillon in Paris and the Martinez in Cannes) will welcome its first customers this morning. Palais de la Méditerranée original, it only remains now that the great art-deco facade, saved by a classification in 1989. The interior, including the hotel of 188 rooms (12 suites), with pool, overlooking a casino was completely rebuilt.
The entire hotel-casino, owned by the Societe du Louvre (75%) and Group Partouche (25%), required three years of work and an investment of more than 110 million euros. If the opening of the hotel is today the inauguration of the new Palais de la Mediterranee is expected next spring, the time for the casino, operated by the group Partouche , obtaining authorizations necessary to also open its doors. But already, the flagship building of Nice will find a new life while is erased a wart remained for nearly thirty years gaping in the middle of the promenade des Anglais.
The opening of the casino Ribeauvillé could experience an unfortunate mishap. The record just went to the High Commission of the games that raised a “legal ambiguity”.
The High Commission of games (CSJ), which was to render an opinion on Tuesday 16 December, on the request for authorization to operate the casino Ribeauvillé has detected what may seem like a major legal loophole in the folder Ribeauvillé .
The project is being implemented as part of a public service delegation (PSD) between the community of municipalities in the country Ribeauvillé one side and the other group ACCOR. The hotel giant has been chosen following a tender. The casino is the first part of a resort that has three, including hydrotherapy.
It appeared to members of the Commission for games (CSJ), consisting of 15 senior officials from the Interior Ministry and several elected officials, ultimately to deliver an opinion prior to review of the record by the Minister of Interior that the dossier presented to uncertainty with regard to the law. “The question that arises is how far a community of Commons can begin the process of delegation? “Says one place Beauvau.
The law specifies that only municipalities ranked spa, climate and seaside resort or constituting a city of over 500,000 inhabitants, can accommodate a casino. If the project is located on the edge of Ribeauvillé, town resort since 1995, the tender and the delegation of public service were however made by the community of Commons.
In the information report 2002 of the Senate Finance Committee on gambling and money in France, the rapporteur François Trucy indirectly addressed this point: “How the LSB will she respond to a request to create casino, not for a city of more than 500 000 inhabitants, but for a community of cities or municipalities that meet this criterion of population? For now, the LSB has adopted the restrictive view of “the city and nothing else”. ”
Very thorough legal analysis
“This is a legal ambiguity,” analyzes an elected member of the LSB. “The record is very good on the bottom. But in the state on the form, it might be canceled by the tribunal if it was subject to appeal. ” According to this source, to be legally valid, the case should be taken by the municipality of Ribeauville, which should then make a new tender and sign a new delegation.
Even as the casino building is completed, east of the city of Fiddlers. Staff have already been recruited. This nightmare scenario is not considered by all actors of the file. Very thorough legal analysis will be conducted in the coming days. Some imagine amend current law to integrate the inter-legislative governing the gaming industry.
The casino manager Ribeauvillé, Jacques Leveque, told us not to be aware of the doubts of the LSB. Just as the president of the community of municipalities of the country Ribeauvillé, Peter Adolph. For its part, the deputy mayor of Ribeauvillé, Jean-Louis Christ, who defended the record of the casino before the JSC, did not wish to answer our questions. The leaders of the casino Ribeauvillé considering the opening of the gaming establishment in December 2003 or January 2004. A crisis meeting of all mayors of the community is scheduled for Monday evening.
(Reuters) – If we are to believe the daily Les Echos, the marriage between the branch and Accor Casino Barrière Group could be announced in “a couple of weeks.”
It would be a reconciliation between the Company of the hotel chain Lucien Barriere (SHCLB)-controlled by the family-Barrier-Desseigne, the Society of Hotels and Casino de Deauville (SHCD)-ownership to 53.7% of families and to 34.9% by Accor (the remainder being in the audience), and Accor Casinos-co-owned equally by Accor and the investment fund Colony Capital.
Would be excluded from the agreement the Company Fermière Casino Municipal de Cannes (FMCS), controlled 65.2% and in which group Partouche has an interest of 15.54%.
The group from this marriage will become world’s top European sector to Group Partouche .
It should be controlled up to 51% by the family barrier, 34% by the Accor hotel group and 15% by the fund Colony Capital, the latter being expected to make a hundred million euros to the new entity “that which would give weight to the economic equivalent of Accor “the economic daily said.
The minority shareholders would be offered SHCD output in the form of cash.
The new entity should be driven by Sven Boinet as CEO and Dominique Desseigne who assumed the presidency of the supervisory board.
The legal issue raised by the high commission of games requires the holders of the project to build a casino in Ribeauvillé to review their copy. The delay before a possible opening could be several weeks to several months.
The president of the community of common Ribeauvillé Peter Adolph had met the day before yesterday evening all members of the intermunicipal structure to inform them of the latest twist of proposed implementation of a casino, file seems to be delayed purely legal DNA (January 04). “We informed the mayors and all are obviously agree that we find a rapid solution to this problem,” says president of the “com com. “The services of the Ministry of Interior are working on this as our lawyers.”
The higher commission games (CSJ), which was to discuss this matter on December 16 last and give their opinion (it also has the ability to suspend his decision), has found a legal loophole that undermines the short term the opening of the gambling establishment that Accor had hoped in January. Legally, a community of communities can begin the process of delegation of public service. Only municipalities ranked spa, climate, resort or agglomerations of 500,000 inhabitants, also classified resorts, are entitled to do so.
Withdrawal of jurisdiction?
Today, two solutions are proposed to resolve this legal mess. A first, heavy, would amend the law relating to the operation of amusement games. The second seems more realistic: “Community Commons should transfer the skill” games “to the city of Ribeauvillé,” said Peter Adolph. The City of Fiddlers could then quite legally, classified as common resort since 1995, carry this project.
“The tender was not initiated by the good community, it is nevertheless the city Ribeauvillé resume the procedure from scratch,” says Emile Clerc, Parisian lawyer holding a consultancy aimed at casino operator. “It is the city proposing a new specification, launch the tender. It’s a matter of six to eight months. ”
The dealers in Switzerland
Nicolas Ricat, chairman of the board of directors of the company operating the resort Ribeauvillé (a subsidiary of Accor Casinos), is more optimistic. “We hope that this setback will only take a few weeks. From the outset and throughout the procedure, we had favorable opinions of all administrations. The problem is apparent only at the CSJ! ”
For its part, the deputy mayor of Ribeauvillé, Jean-Louis Christ, says he will seek, in his capacity as mayor, the interior minister. This man is key to any application process for authorization to open a casino since it decides whether to respond positively to a record, after consulting the JSC.
The casino manager, Jacques Leveque, who also retains his optimism (“We continue to prepare as if we were open in a few weeks”), indicates that the staff has not been laid off. “The nine dealers currently working in Switzerland. These institutions still need reinforcement during the holidays and for now, they are used there until mid-January. “The restaurant / bar located inside the casino, nothing prevents its opening. “It is not planned yet, but if tomorrow Accor Casinos wonder to open, I will.”
So goes the day … is by reading the edition of our fellow Perpignan The Independent dated Friday, January 9, 2004, that the direction of casino games of Argelès-sur-Mer (Group Molifl …
… Gold Entertainment) has learned that a social movement was under way in its walls and a strike notice had been filed for the day of Sunday, January 11, 2004 … Embarrassed – and it would not be at its least Having established the method employed union – John Banisette, director of the gaming establishment argelésien, declined to comment on this listing. No way, especially when you are not yet acclimated to local customs (Mr. Banisette took office, there is just 1 year) to make any statement that may be subject to interpretation and accidentally throw the oil on feu.John Banisette however confirm that “wage negotiations are well underway,” that the industrial action relates to wage demands, primarily the allocation of a premium, “and that” management and employee representatives actually planned to meet around the table tomorrow Monday. “So, if indeed such a schedule had been arrested, why suddenly turn up the heat?
There is no casino at the Group of Argelès Moliflor Entertainment encountering difficulties, although elsewhere in our department, these difficulties are of another ordre.Ainsi, Saint-Cyprien, neighboring therefore Argelès-sur-Mer, where the Group Moliflor Entertainment manages the casino from the beach, administrative sanctions may rain, even if moving away the threat of administrative closure, a time seriously considered generally well-informed source. The origin of this “pastis”: a member of the Executive Committee of the casino that would deliberately let him play with the machines to as a “big” player, however, strictly forbidden access to this type of establishment, and also stuck as far as the national office of the Police Games. The man, described as “doubtful” with respect to its financial situation, therefore continued to come and go in the casino of Saint-Cyprien beach where it was, do we detail in a report, its habits and relationships, Yet despite a strict prohibition and (re) connue.Bref, the case is mounted at the highest level, until the Interior Ministry, supported locally and very efficiently by investigators from the Department Directorate General of Intelligence P.-O.Depuis, it seems that the situation has calmed considerably, but nevertheless it results in the dismissal of that member of the Executive Committee of the institution, layoffs and a change … so important in the senior and some staff, vraisemblablement.Enfin the month of March, before the cantonal and regional elections? is the issue of casino games Amélie-les-Bains / Palalda, also managed by the Group Moliflor Entertainment , which will land in the High Court of Perpignan and who should replace “Moliflor” under the spotlight locale.Cette case, triggered by the former management of the establishment, the Group Malortigue defended for Used by Mrs. Jacqueline Amiel-Donat, will come to the bar several local personalities (some will be defended by Bernard Vial), which Ms. Jacqueline Alduy, former mayor of Amelie-les-Bains, and general counsel of the Canton of Arles-sur Tech, ex-Senator of P. O.Sur all these cases, Bertrand Coltier, still president of the Group Executive Moliflor Entertainment – will be replaced soon by Quentin Philippe, a former Group Managing Director Lucien Barriere – should be explained in the coming days … The entrance to the casino of Argelès-sur-Mer, which houses the famous nightclub ‘Playa Club who made the all-dancing Perpignan. The case of Amelia Court at Perpignan Argelès / Mer: a problem of wage premiums Saint-Cyprien: forbidden game he took up residence at the casino Amelia appointment in March.
Group Moliflor Entertainment – founded by Claude Canétois Florensa on the creations of his uncle Adrien Molinier … and assigned to the late 90s, after a successful IPO in UK pension funds – now includes 20 facilities in France, employs 1350 employees and an annual turnover of about 270 million Euro (the annual turnover is growing steadily by about 3%). The Group aims to buy two casinos: in Blotzheim (Haut-Rhin) and Lens-en-Vercors (Isere).
The casino staff of Argelès-sur-Mer Property Group Moliflor Entertainment , began a strike yesterday on the basis of wage demands. Of the 33 employees, a score following the call by …
… The CGT, and management has had to close the doors of the casino to 16 hours. Employees seeking such a revaluation of their salary to 15%, a 13th month bonuses for night work and Sunday. “We are determined to continue our action (…) because Moliflor increased from 5 to 20 casinos in four years, hopefully for their portfolio but not for ours, “said Valerius Ruault, Group Executive Officer CGT.La Moliflor Entertainment calls these claims of “grotesque”, stressing that they “represent 36% of increase in payroll. The strike was renewed today.
The group Tranchant dealer casino Amneville (Moselle) challenged the arguments of Mayor Jean Kiffer (DVD) on the establishment of a municipal authority to manage the casino.
In a statement the group Tranchant said it had filed several criminal complaints against the mayor of Amnéville indicted July 30, 2003 for “unlawful taking of interest” interventions “aimed at ousting” of Amneville Entertainment management of the city’s casino.
September 5, the municipality of Amneville, challenging the school management by the casino operator, had passed a decision to unilaterally terminate the concession contract with Edge from January 2004 to launch an appeal to offer. The prefecture of Moselle had been suspended by an appeal this decision to the Administrative Court of Strasbourg.
In late December, the mayor of Amnéville reignited the controversy by expressing his desire to create a municipal authority to manage the casino in the city, based on a German example.
New flagship hotel group Taittinger, the mythical Palais de la Mediterranee reopens its doors on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. A new life to this temple of the game and art of the 30s, and is reborn after two years of work and 120 million euros of investment. “It was a much anticipated event, Manchester needed this revival of the luxury hotel. The opening of the Palais de la Mediterranee is a signal for the revival of the destination, “said Frantz Taittinger who presides over the destinies of the facility (130 employees) in parallel with those of Martinez. Sylvain Ercoli (formerly Byblos), DG of Cannes Palace, also works with him at the helm of this new hotel of 188 rooms. Primarily targeting European customers, and listed in the brochure prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, it is already showing its reservations by an occupancy rate of 40% and is 65% this year. “It’s exceptional,” Welcomes the President that relies on a “break-even suitable” within five years.
At age 54, son of Jean Taittinger will now be able to devote himself fully to the “takeoff” of the Palais de la Mediterranee. After twenty-five years devoted to the construction of Wingspan, the business economy hotel in the Societe du Louvre (Premiere Classe, Campanile, Kyriad …), it is indeed to leave the commands in the context of a rapprochement with the subsidiary of the luxury hotels Concorde. His sister, Anne-Claire Taittinger, chief executive of Groupe Taittinger and CEO of Société du Louvre, who now chairs the hotel pole unified. “I always thought were obvious synergies between the two entities,” says this father of five children, a former helicopter pilot and former deputy mayor of Asnières, which began as a new “professional life”, with a new sector of choice: the casinos. For the first step of Taittinger in the game world, will also open a casino in the spring in the Palais de la Mediterranee, whose group Partouche owns 25%. The Polish J. Zalick, hitherto rampant in Juan-les-Pins, assumes leadership. “The casino industry is in full swing. We can seize opportunities, “Frantz Taittinger loose.
A majority of casino staff of Argelès-sur-Mer (Pyrénées-Orientales) went on strike on Wednesday began Sunday, forcing management to reduce the opening hours of the facility, officials said Wednesday from Management and union source.
Of the 32 casino employees (all categories), a score is on strike since Sunday to demand wage increases.
The casino, owned by the group Moliflor (4th French group, 20 casinos), operates from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday, when it is normally open from 10:00 to 2:00 in the morning.
The director, John Banizette, said that “negotiations will resume when the employee will return to work.”
According to Valerius Ruault, CGT, a petition in support of strikers has already collected about 340 signatures at the local level.
Since yesterday evening, the Casino de Trouville has a new games room open in the former nightclub the “embellished”. April 4, a new restaurant will be opened in the former game room with high ceilings, moldings and large windows overlooking the sea waiting for new cures marines and a 70-90 hotel rooms at the back of the casino .
“Gentlemen, the party starts at the roulette table No. 1. Gentlemen place your bets. “It was 20 pm last night when this call the dealer spoke to the players table games casino in Trouville. It sounded like a small historic moment.
The games have indeed left the great hall with high ceilings, moldings faded. Since yesterday evening, they settled in the former nightclub “embellished” in the basement of the casino. The setting and atmosphere are thereby completely changed.
“We’re more in the spirit club, in a warmer decor with a ceiling lower than in the old room. Even if the surface remains the same: 400 m2, says David Parr, director of the casino. Tables and chairs are smaller games. Chairs coffee tables living room in front of the bar are made of wicker with leather cushions comfortable. The lines of the bar are clean. The light intensity is adjustable for a more intimate setting. ”
Everything was ready last night to welcome the first players. Red jacket and striped tie, dealers étrennes their new outfit. “The new facility includes eleven tables: three wheeled English, four blackjack, two French and two wheels Stud Poker, lists David Rouxel, Breton Guingamp, new director of games arrived at Trouville six months ago from a Accor Casino Niederbronn-les-Bains, Alsace. “The first set is only 2 €, welcome David Parr and David Roux. The big players, as formerly, have become rare. We want the traditional games are accessible to a wider audience. We prefer to extend the game time ”
Restaurant with sea view
The opening of the new Hall of table games is another step in the metamorphosis of the casino in Trouville who needed it, “the latest work dating back to twelve years.” The old hall table games will become a great restaurant to 170 seats. The ground floor and large terrace, open all year round, overlooking the sea can be accessed without passing through the main entrance of the casino. Which will go as a family with young children. Again the atmosphere is cozy, with fewer false-century marble, gilt and tutti quanti. Although this is Jacques Garcia, the decorator’s house Barrier Group chooses shades, fabrics and paint. Seven large chandeliers garnet break the large volume. There will be no carpet tile but a plum. And promised the addition will not be too salty or sold off for the whole family will feel welcome.
New mezzanine will be reserved for seminars. “Now that we have our auditorium with theater, we ran out of restaurant for delegates who like to stay in one place. “Here we see a new spirit in the small world of the casino. The year 2003 was not as good at Trouville Deauville receding in the national rankings. “But it no longer means much, corrects David Parr, the opening of casinos in major cities like Bordeaux upsets the data. “Moreover,” with the euro, the players have lost their bearings. Those who played 10 F does not necessarily play € 2 which correspond to 13.12 F 3 F or more. If they play longer than 1 F € 3.40 is less for us. ” In this context “heckled,” as David Parr acknowledges that barrier, hotels and casinos, are preparing to merge with Accor Casinos and U.S. pension funds to become the first casino operator in France. But already the competition Partouche Moliflor and prepare the response.