French authorities restricted alcohol consumption and sales in Paris and across 35 regions on June 21 as a major European heatwave intensified and began shifting eastward. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the measures after a crisis meeting to protect public health and ease pressure on emergency services during the annual Fête de la Musique festival when temperatures climbed above 40 degrees Celsius in several areas. Météo-France placed more than a third of the country under its highest red alert level with forecasts reaching 42C in places according to data cited by Reuters and CNN.
The Prime Minister’s office stated in a release that instructions had been issued to state-organised events not to offer alcohol while prefects were directed to prohibit public drinking in red-alert zones. In Paris the ban specifically targeted stronger drinks including high-alcohol beers fortified wines and spirits along the banks of the Seine and Canal St-Martin the Guardian reported. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said the combination of alcohol heat and proximity to water represented risk factors that do not mix well according to remarks carried across multiple outlets.
Additional steps included keeping parks open around the clock for nighttime relief and opening air-conditioned public buildings as cool islands Paris officials announced. Several outdoor sporting events were cancelled and many schools closed early or dismissed students ahead of peak heat the Guardian noted in its coverage of the city’s preparations. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist highlighted risks to the young and elderly as hospitals reported strains on intensive care units according to the BBC’s reporting on the unfolding situation.
The BBC reported that the heatwave has shifted east with Germany issuing near-nationwide alerts while Spain closed a World Cup fan zone in Madrid due to the extreme conditions. CNN described the event as the second heat dome to affect Europe in two months on a continent that has warmed faster than any other. Medical specialists warned that mixing alcohol with such temperatures accelerates dehydration and heatstroke risks as noted in coverage by the New York Post and The Drinks Business.
Multiple drownings were reported as people sought relief in rivers and canals despite repeated warnings against swimming in strong currents according to French authorities cited by Reuters. The restrictions applied only to events organised by the state and its agencies as well as public spaces in the most affected zones to allow medics to focus on the most vulnerable the Prime Minister’s office added. Météo-France figures showed the red alerts covering key wine-producing regions where the festival normally draws millions to outdoor celebrations.
Nuclear power plants reduced output due to elevated river temperatures used for cooling while thunderstorms were forecast to bring some relief later in the week the BBC assessment found. Officials in Paris emphasised the pre-emptive nature of the alcohol limits following the escalation to the highest vigilance level. Similar measures have been deployed in past heat events though this wave arrived earlier in the summer than typical patterns recorded by national meteorological services.
