Paris Imposes Ban on Alcohol Sales in Public Spaces Amid Extreme Heatwave

Due to an intense heatwave causing a surge in patient admissions at hospitals in Paris, the capital of France, authorities have temporarily prohibited the consumption and sale of alcohol in public spaces. The administration took this measure to prevent additional health complications linked to drinking alcohol during extreme heat and to reduce the strain on medical facilities.

According to the issued order, alcohol consumption will not be allowed in public places from 12 noon Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday, and again from 12 noon Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday. Additionally, the sale of takeaway alcohol from stores is banned from 6 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, and from 6 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday. However, this restriction does not apply to licensed bars and restaurants.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that the highest level of health alert has been issued across the country in light of the severe heatwave. With this alert, additional healthcare workers and staff have been deployed to hospitals to ensure protection for vulnerable and at-risk populations. The heatwave affecting Spain, the UK, and France for several days is now advancing towards Eastern Europe. Meteorological agencies in Germany and the Czech Republic have also issued warnings for extreme heat. Temperatures in Germany are expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius on Friday, while much of the Czech Republic is under its highest heat alert to date.