The Swiss bar in question refers to a popular nightlife venue in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland where a devastating New Year’s Eve fire on January 1, 2026, killed 40 people and injured over 100. The bar was known locally as Le Constellation, a place frequented by party-goers during holiday celebrations.
Swiss authorities and prosecutors are investigating the circumstances of the fire, including compliance with safety regulations and emergency procedures.
Ownership Status of the Swiss Bar
Unlike a public corporation, this bar was a privately owned hospitality business. According to Swiss business records and media reports, the bar Le Constellation was owned and operated by a French couple:
Owners of the Bar
| Owner / Co-Owner | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jacques Moretti | Co-Owner / Manager | Detained by Swiss prosecutors; held in pre-trial detention; facing criminal negligence charges related to the fire. |
| Jessica Moretti | Co-Owner / Partner | Co-owner and wife of Jacques; present at the bar during the fire and currently under judicial supervision. |
Le Constellation was a privately held hospitality venue managed by the Moretti couple. There is no large corporate ownership structure or public shareholder base.
Background on the Owners
Jacques and Jessica Moretti
- Nationality: French.
- Ownership: Both Jacques and Jessica were listed on the Swiss business register as the owners and operators of Le Constellation bar located in Crans-Montana.
- Management Role: They were responsible for the day-to-day operations of the bar, including safety compliance and event oversight leading up to the New Year’s Eve celebration.
Legal Situation Post-Fire
Following the tragic fire:
- Jacques Moretti was taken into pre-trial detention by Swiss prosecutors, who consider him a potential flight risk.
- Jessica Moretti was released but remains under judicial supervision.
- The couple is under investigation for manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and negligent arson in connection with the incident.
This situation remains legally active as authorities work to determine the causes and accountability tied to the fire and safety compliance.
Context of the Ownership in the Broader Incident
The ownership of the bar has become a central point of the criminal investigation due to:
- Fire safety compliance questions — reports suggest safety inspections may not have occurred for several years prior to the incident.
- Rapid escalation of the fire due to possible sparkler candles and materials used in the bar’s insulation/ceiling.
Understanding who owned and operated the bar is critical in assessing legal responsibility and possible negligence.
FAQs
1. Who currently owns the Swiss bar where the deadly fire occurred?
The bar, known as Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, was owned by French nationals Jacques and Jessica Moretti.
2. Are the owners facing legal action?
Yes. Swiss prosecutors have arrested Jacques Moretti and are investigating both him and Jessica Moretti on charges related to negligence and fire safety violations.
3. Is the bar part of a larger company?
No — it was a privately owned venue operated independently by the Moretti couple.
4. Why is ownership relevant?
Ownership determines who is legally responsible for ensuring safety standards and compliance with Swiss regulations, particularly after a tragedy with mass casualties.
According to People reports, Swiss authorities arrested Jacques Moretti, the 49-year-old owner of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, after determining he could be a possible flight risk following a lengthy hearing related to the deadly New Year’s Day fire. Prosecutors stated that the blaze allegedly started when candles ignited the bar’s foam ceiling, and officials later revealed that fire safety inspections had not been carried out between 2020 and 2025.
While Jacques Moretti was taken into custody, his wife and co-owner Jessica Moretti was released after questioning, though both face charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. People also reported that several victims’ families have already filed legal complaints, and local authorities acknowledged failures in periodic safety checks, expressing regret and accepting responsibility as nationwide memorials continue to honor the 40 victims, many of whom were teenagers.