France Bans Alcohol at Music Festival Amid Record Heatwave
In response to a red‑heatwave, France has prohibited alcohol at events of the national Fête de la Musique, the country’s largest summer street‑party.
The annual celebration draws millions to the streets of France, but with the most serious heat‑alert warnings issued for 35 departments, the government has banned alcohol consumption in public places under the red alerts.
"For all events organised by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol," said the office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
Temperatures of 39 °C–40 °C are expected from the southwest through the Paris region into Burgundy on Sunday, with some areas potentially reaching 41 °C, according to forecasts.
The temperature rise is breaking historic records, and authorities warn that the heatwave could match or exceed previous highs, affecting roughly three‑quarters of the population.
The restriction aims to preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable people in extremely hot conditions.
The heatwave has disrupted the country, leading to the cancellation of dozens of trains and the suspension of classes, while parks and gardens in Paris remain open through the night to help residents and visitors stay cool.
