On Friday, October 9, 2026, an event company held a "barathon" in Angers, a city in the Maine-et-Loire department of France. The event encouraged participants to buy one drink and then offer another to someone else in participating bars. This unusual concept, meant to promote social interaction and community spirit, has sparked controversy among local authorities and professional unions. The principle behind the "barathon" was to create a chain of generosity, where each participant would buy a drink for someone else, potentially leading to a wave of free drinks across multiple bars. However, this approach has raised concerns about excessive alcohol consumption and the potential for disorderly behavior in public places. For the first time, the local municipality and professional unions have jointly criticized the event, calling it dangerous and irresponsible. They argue that such an event could lead to public disturbances and place undue pressure on bar staff, who may be forced to handle an influx of intoxicated patrons. The event has also drawn attention from local media, who are covering the debate over whether such unconventional promotions are appropriate in public spaces. While some view the "barathon" as a creative way to engage the community, others believe it sets a harmful precedent for future events.