PARIS, France — Authorities in Paris have announced a temporary ban on drinking alcohol in public as the city faces an intense heatwave, with officials aiming to reduce heat-related medical emergencies and ease pressure on local hospitals and emergency services.
The temporary restriction takes effect from 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday until 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and will be enforced again during the same hours from Saturday through Sunday. During these periods, consuming alcohol in public spaces will not be permitted.
The decision was announced by the Paris Police Prefecture, which said the measure is intended to protect public health as extremely high temperatures continue to affect the French capital.
Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez warned that combining alcohol consumption with extreme heat can pose serious health risks. “Drinking alcohol with the sun beating down can have a devastating effect,” he said, emphasizing that alcohol can accelerate dehydration, increase the risk of heat exhaustion, and contribute to heatstroke.
Health officials have urged residents and visitors to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, seek air-conditioned or shaded areas, and regularly check on elderly relatives, children, and other vulnerable individuals.
The temporary public drinking ban is part of a broader effort by French authorities to manage the impact of the ongoing heatwave, which has placed increased demand on emergency responders and healthcare facilities. Officials said the measure is designed to help prevent avoidable medical incidents while ensuring hospitals remain available to treat the most serious heat-related cases.
Authorities will continue monitoring weather conditions and hospital capacity before deciding whether additional public health measures will be needed if the extreme temperatures persist.
