France tightens measures over extreme heat, temporary ban on alcohol sales and consumption in Paris

Faced with the severe heatwave sweeping across Europe, the French authorities have introduced temporary measures in Paris, banning alcohol consumption in public spaces and restricting takeaway alcohol sales, with the aim of reducing the burden on hospitals.

According to the decision made public by the authorities, the ban on alcohol consumption in public places will apply from midday on Friday until 07:00 on Saturday, as well as during the same hours from Saturday to Sunday. Likewise, the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises will be banned from 18:00 until 07:00, while licensed bars and restaurants will continue operating normally.

These measures were taken after extreme temperatures placed significant strain on the healthcare system. According to the authorities, the ambulance service in Paris recorded, over a 24-hour period, a number of cardiac arrest cases four times higher than usual. Officials stressed that the risk affects not only the elderly, but younger age groups as well.

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

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

Simon Stiell, the United Nations climate chief, described this 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 adaptation measures to climate change.