France bans public alcohol consumption as heat wave intensifies across Europe
A severe heat wave has prompted France to prohibit drinking alcohol in public areas under red-alert conditions, while schools close and emergency services are mobilized.
France is grappling with a heat wave that has pushed temperatures to around 40 °C (104 °F) in parts of the country, prompting authorities to ban the consumption of alcohol in public spaces designated as “red alert” zones. The restriction aims to ease the burden on emergency services and allow medical personnel to focus on vulnerable populations, including the elderly.
The extreme heat has led to the cancellation of numerous trains, concerts and sporting events, and schools in 845 districts will remain closed on Monday. Emergency responders and military units have been deployed to reinforce wildfire readiness and to monitor water supplies for nuclear reactors.
Public cooling measures include misting stations at the Eiffel Tower and other Paris venues, while crowds have gathered at waterways such as Canal Saint-Martin despite official attempts to manage the flow of people.
“With this heat, it’s the only way to have fun while going out,” swimmer Nicolas Cruz told reporters.
Four children drowned in France on Saturday, and additional drownings were reported in Germany, highlighting the heightened risk of water-related accidents during hot spells.
The heat wave extends beyond France, with Spain, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and other European nations issuing red-alert warnings, suspending outdoor activities and advising the public to take protective measures.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a government meeting to address the crisis and called for longer-term adaptations, including the possible expansion of air-conditioning in public buildings.
