Paris has banned the consumption of alcohol in public starting at midday on Friday, June 26, along with a ban on takeaway alcohol sales. Paris police chief Patrice Faure stated that these restrictions are intended to mitigate health risks and curb excess deaths caused by an intense heatwave affecting France and wider Europe. Faure noted that drinking alcohol while the sun is beating down can have a devastating effect, with temperatures reaching 36C.
The measures come as hospitals in and around the capital are overwhelmed and nearing a breaking point. The pressure on emergency services has intensified, with fire brigade call-outs doubling to over 2,500 on Thursday alone.
In an effort to avoid further overwhelming response services, Paris police have asked organisers to cancel several public events scheduled for the weekend of June 27. These events include the pride march and the Solidays music festival. Police have stated that organisers who do not comply with these requests will be banned.