To court for hosting pilgrims of Saint-Jacques

Convened to work and revenues concealed, the owner of a house on the way home in donation practiced, that is to say, free participation. Christian tradition is to appear before the criminal court.

"I spent seven hours in custody to explain the Baths of gendarmes in what was my business." Jean-Marc Lucien still do not return. In June 2015, while he owns a host of pilgrims house on the way to Saint-Jacques in Saint-Privat-d'Allier, he was summoned by the military while the beds of his house are be sealed after a search

700 to 800 pilgrims a year

In November, a letter informed him that he must appear before the Puy-en-Velay court in May 2016. "I am accused of having concealed a business and revenues. But the reception of pilgrims was never a job for me! "

The history of this former accountant begins in 1998 when, himself a pilgrim on the way he meets one who will become his wife. Returning from Spain, both decide to make the hospitality they enjoyed during their journey. "We bought the house in 2003. In 2006, we retired so we decided to host the pilgrims in the tradition of hospitality."

But here without legal status, in the host donative is not subject to taxes and other tax. "We were in a corner of the house, a box in which the visitors slipped what they wanted in exchange for room and board. Money but also sometimes religious pictures and other objects ... "he explains.

With 700 to 800 passing pilgrims each year, the hostel very quickly represented a shortfall for houses, hotels and other B & B located in the same area. "We received many threats from the start. Under pressure, I became entrepreneur in 2014. I deducted the meal and I declared the rest. "However, Jean-Marc Lucien does not charge. Impossible in this case to talk about business. "In April 2014, we received a complaint from the urban community of Puy (who perceives the tourist tax in the context of tourism, Ed) and September Fraud Control drew up a report. She wanted us to fiche a tariff, which we refused to do since we were not merchants! "He explained.

A petition has been launched

Ten years after opening their hospitality, the couple decided to throw in the towel and sell. Pending its passage before the court, Jean-Marc Lucien multiplies the messages on internet and supports a total of 2300 signatures petition in his favor. "The trial could go on appeal. It could set a precedent, "he concludes.

Through the case of Jean-Marc Lucien, the question is raised of volunteering. A more precise legal framework will emerge, perhaps in May.

He could then apply to all reception areas of France!

Saisi……?