Nederlands
English
Deutsch
Français
Español
Português
Supermarket Chain Held Liable in Landmark French Case
In a groundbreaking legal decision, the French branch of German discount supermarket chain Lidl has been convicted for selling alcohol to a minor who subsequently died in a scooter accident. The case, which reached France's highest court, represents a significant victory for public health advocates fighting underage drinking.
Tragic Incident in the Pyrenees
The tragedy unfolded in May 2021 in Urrugne, a town in the French Pyrenees. Sixteen-year-old Kilian and a friend purchased two bottles of vodka from a local Lidl supermarket. After consuming the alcohol, the teenagers mounted their scooters. A collision occurred when Kilian's friend accidentally struck him, causing Kilian to crash into a pole. The autopsy revealed fatal injuries and confirmed the teenager had excessive alcohol levels in his blood.
Legal Battle Reaches Supreme Court
Kilian's mother, Coralie Larroquet, initiated legal proceedings, determined that her son's death would not be in vain. The case progressed through multiple judicial levels, culminating in a ruling from the Court of Cassation, France's highest court. The court found Lidl guilty of knowingly violating French law prohibiting alcohol sales to minors and imposed a €5,000 fine.
"The cashier did not receive instructions from the company to systematically check the age of alcohol purchasers," stated the court ruling, highlighting systemic failures in Lidl's compliance procedures.
Broader Implications for Alcohol Sales
The verdict comes amid growing concerns about underage alcohol access in France. According to Addictions France, a non-governmental organization, recent investigations revealed that minors successfully purchased strong alcohol in nearly 90% of supermarkets tested across French cities.
"Despite the legal prohibition on selling alcohol to minors, children in 2025 can purchase strong alcohol without problems," the organization reported earlier this year. They noted that government enforcement remains minimal, with maximum penalties of €7,500 rarely imposed.
Mother's Hope for Prevention
Coralie Larroquet expressed hope that the ruling would prompt retailers to reconsider their responsibilities. "I hope alcohol sellers will think twice from now on. They should not only think about their profit figures but also about the possible consequences," she told RMC radio. "What happened to us cannot be undone. But hopefully this conviction can prevent new tragedies."
The case sets an important precedent for corporate accountability in alcohol sales and may influence future enforcement of France's alcohol regulations.
