Casablanca to Standardize Cafe and Restaurant Facades Citywide

The facades of cafes and restaurants will soon be standardized in Casablanca. After the demolition campaign of the facades of some cafes and restaurants presenting a danger for customers and passers-by, this is the challenge the city has taken on. The local authorities intend to harmonize the designs of the facades and terraces, particularly on the main streets of the city. "This new initiative aims to improve the visual aspect of the city by adopting uniform designs and colors, like the great world metropolises," said Ahmed Afilal, vice-president of the Casablanca City Council, stressing that "the majority of cafes and restaurants use varied designs that do not correspond to the aesthetic identity of the city."

Currently, the City Council is working on the development of a detailed specifications detailing the modalities of this approach, as well as the standards that will be applied. It also plans to organize meetings with industry professionals to ensure a concerted and rapid implementation. This initiative is already being welcomed by cafe and restaurant owners. "Professionals do not oppose the idea of standardizing terraces and facades, but it is important to hold meetings to listen to their proposals and ensure the success of this project," said Noureddine El Harrak, president of the National Federation of Cafe and Restaurant Owners. According to him, this decision will require a lot of time and in-depth discussion with professionals, "because the standardization of terraces must take into account the specificities of the different neighborhoods of the city."

The national federation of cafe and restaurant owners is currently working on the organization of the sector. A draft law containing several provisions is being finalized and will be approved in the coming days. One of the proposals is related to the determination of the public space authorized to be exploited, depending on the distance between the sidewalks and the facades of cafes and restaurants, in order to guarantee compliance with the laws and a rational use of the public domain.