Définition
The Raffarin Law of 5 July 1996 (relating to the development and promotion of commerce and handicrafts) modified the Royer Law of 1973. Under the terms of the new law, the creation of stores of over 300 m2 is subject to authorisation, as are any extensions of store area. Changes of sector of activity by stores with a surface area of more than 2,000 m2 also require authorisation. This threshold is reduced to 300 m2 when the new activity of the store is mainly food.