Prohibition Hits European Summer: France Bans Booze at Music Festival as Heatwave Hits 41°C

France is grappling with a punishing heatwave, prompting authorities to ban alcohol consumption at certain events during the Fête de la Musique festival. Temperatures are soaring, with projections reaching 41°C in some areas, leading to 35 departments being placed under red heatwave alerts.

The extreme heat has already caused significant disruptions across the country. Dozens of train services have been canceled, and classes have been suspended. The government has instructed state agencies not to serve alcohol at events and has banned its consumption in public places under red alert zones. This measure aims to preserve emergency and healthcare services, allowing medical staff to focus on the most vulnerable populations.

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For all events organised by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol.

Authorities in Paris are keeping parks and gardens open overnight to help residents and tourists cope with the sweltering conditions. Beyond the immediate health concerns, the Bank of France Governor Emmanuel Moulin warned of the medium-term economic impact of such heatwaves. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of these events to climate change, raising concerns about future health emergencies and economic instability during summer months.

The heatwave is not confined to France. Germany has issued heat alerts as temperatures approach 38°C, while Italy expects highs of 36-37°C, leading to long queues outside the Colosseum. In Spain, the football federation closed a public fan zone in Madrid for a World Cup match due to the heat, forcing fans to find alternative viewing locations.

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preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable.