French authorities have introduced temporary restrictions on alcohol sales and public drinking in Paris as an intense heatwave continues to strain hospitals and emergency services across Europe.
Alcohol Restrictions in Paris
The measures include:
- Public alcohol consumption banned from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Friday and again from Saturday to Sunday.
- Takeaway alcohol sales prohibited between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on both nights.
- Bars and restaurants are exempt from the restrictions.
Officials say the temporary rules are intended to reduce alcohol-related medical emergencies and ease pressure on overcrowded hospitals.
Hospitals Under Pressure
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that the country’s health alert has been raised to its highest level to strengthen hospital staffing and protect vulnerable people.
Paris police chief Patrice Faure said hospitals are approaching capacity, while Health Minister Stéphanie Rist warned that the heat is affecting not only older adults but also young, healthy people.
Officials reported:
- A sharp increase in cardiac arrest cases in Paris.
- Rising mortality linked to extreme heat.
- Intensive care units in several regions operating at or near capacity.
Heatwave Spreads Across Europe
The extreme weather is moving eastward, with several countries issuing high-level warnings:
- Germany: Temperatures could reach 40°C, with widespread heat stress warnings.
- Czech Republic: Extreme weather alerts are in effect, with temperatures expected to approach 40°C.
- Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy: Authorities have issued severe heat alerts and urged people to limit outdoor activities.
- United Kingdom: Red extreme heat warnings remain in place for parts of southern England.
Impact Across France
The heatwave has caused widespread disruption:
- Three nuclear power plants have temporarily gone offline because of the extreme temperatures.
- The opening day of the Garorock music festival was cancelled due to forecasts of thunderstorms and temperatures exceeding 42°C.
- Teachers’ unions are calling for strike action, citing unsafe classroom conditions.
- Authorities have urged residents to avoid strenuous exercise, stay hydrated, and regularly check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours.
Climate Concerns
United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell said the heatwave bears the “fingerprints of the climate crisis,” urging faster investment in renewable energy, forest protection, and climate resilience.
Europe is warming faster than any other continent, contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves, greater wildfire risk, and increasing pressure on water supplies and public health systems.
