France Tightens Measures Due to Extreme Heat, Alcohol Restricted in Public Spaces in Paris

Faced with the intense heatwave sweeping across Europe, authorities in France have introduced temporary measures in Paris, banning the consumption of alcohol in public places and also restricting its sale for takeaway. The aim of these decisions is to reduce pressure on hospitals.

According to official announcements, the ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces will apply from midday on Friday until 07:00 on Saturday, and during the same time period from Saturday to Sunday. In addition, alcohol will not be sold for takeaway from 18:00 to 07:00. However, licensed bars and restaurants will continue operating normally.

These measures have been taken at a time when the health system is facing strain due to high temperatures. Authorities said that the ambulance service in Paris recorded four times more cases of cardiac arrest than usual over a 24-hour period. Officials stressed that the risk affects not only the elderly, but also young people.

In this situation, the French prime minister announced that the health alert level has been raised to the highest level, with the aim of increasing hospital capacity and protecting the most vulnerable groups. At the same time, local authorities have urged citizens to avoid physical activity during the hours when temperatures peak.

Forecasts show that the heatwave will move toward Central and Eastern Europe. In Germany, temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius are expected, while the Czech Republic has issued an extreme weather warning. Italy is also expected to face temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Reacting to the situation, the head of the United Nations on climate change, Simon Stiell, described the heatwave as further evidence of the consequences of the climate crisis. He called for accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, protecting forests, and strengthening measures to adapt to climate change.