Paris bans public alcohol consumption amid heatwave straining hospitals

Paris will prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public spaces starting Friday, as hospitals in and around the city are overwhelmed by patients amid a historic heatwave. The influx of patients shows no signs of slowing, according to Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure.

"We are approaching saturation point in the hospitals. We must try to reduce the pressure," Faure told reporters on Thursday. The ban on public alcohol consumption will be in effect from 12 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and from 12 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday nights. Faure noted that the ban does not apply to restaurant and bar terraces.

Additionally, off-premise alcohol sales will be prohibited from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday nights. This restriction affects not only restaurants and bars but also retail stores specializing in alcohol sales.

Europe is currently experiencing an unusually early heatwave. On Wednesday, France recorded its hottest day in history for the second consecutive day, with a daily average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Paris itself reached a high of 40.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Temperatures in Paris are forecast to reach 37 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday.

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We are approaching saturation point in the hospitals. We must try to reduce the pressure.