A gathering is the occupation of common areas of a building by persons who deliberately prevent the movement of the occupants or the proper functioning of the security, safety or harming the tranquility of the premises.

For example, occupancy of a building hall, a stairwell, the roof, or the blocking of doors.

In the event of a gathering, you must report to the guardian (or janitor). He will report it to the owner of the building or to the social lender if it is a building in the social park.

If you are a tenant of a condominium, you must notify your landlord. He will contact thecondominium trustee.

The owner of the building or the social lessor or the condominium trustee may then notify the police, the gendarme or the municipal police.

Those guilty of gathering may face one of the following penalties:

• 2 months in prison and €3,750 or (6 months in prison and €7,500 fines when the gathering is accompanied by violence or threats)
• Payment of a flat-rate fine of €200. Depending on the time limit for payment of the fine, its amount may be reduced to €150 or increased to €450.

Those guilty of gathering may also have a additional penalty of work of general interest.