Paris Imposes Alcohol Ban Amid Record-Setting Heatwave Ahead of Fête de la Musique

French authorities banned the consumption of high-alcohol beverages after 8 a.m. in parts of Paris on Sunday as the city faces an unprecedented heatwave, according to a police directive obtained by UPI. The order, issued ahead of the Fête de la Musique (World Music Day), restricts certain alcoholic drinks along Canal Saint-Martin and riverside areas of the Seine, with businesses prohibited from selling takeaway alcohol after 1 p.m.

Why Did Paris Implement the Alcohol Ban?

The measure aims to mitigate public safety risks during the heatwave, which has already triggered Level 1 and Level 2 alerts from Météo-France, covering 75% of France’s population. “Very high temperatures are setting in for the long term,” the national meteorological service stated, warning of “exceptional severity and duration” that could break records. The ban excludes restaurants and bars, which may continue serving alcohol under stricter guidelines.

What Is the Fête de la Musique, and How Is It Affected?

Paris’ annual Fête de la Musique, a free street festival featuring open-air concerts and public music performances, coincides with the heatwave. Organizers have canceled some outdoor events, including concerts scheduled before 7 p.m., to protect attendees from extreme heat. Despite the restrictions, the city’s mayor emphasized that the festival would proceed, with health precautions in place.

How Severe Is the Current Heatwave?

Temperatures in Paris are projected to exceed 38°C (100°F) in the coming days, according to Météo-France. This marks one of the earliest and most intense heatwaves of the year, prompting wildfire alerts and calls for public hydration. The National Fire Academy has deployed additional crews to high-risk areas, while local governments advise residents to avoid prolonged sun exposure.

What Are the Broader Implications of the Heatwave?

The prolonged heat has disrupted daily life across France, with schools, transportation, and healthcare systems adapting to the crisis. Public health officials cite the 2022 European heatwave as a precedent, which caused over 61,000 excess deaths. This year’s event underscores growing concerns about climate change’s impact on urban infrastructure and public health. “We are witnessing a new normal,” said Dr. Élodie Rousseau, a climate health researcher at Paris-Saclay University.