France has imposed a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol at outdoor public events after a record-breaking heatwave placed half of the country under a red alert. The measure, announced by the Ministry of Health at 0600 GMT, applies to all street festivals, open-air concerts, and market stalls until the alert is lifted. Meteorologists report that temperatures in 15 departments have exceeded 42 degrees Celsius, with Paris reaching 41.
7 degrees on Wednesday afternoon. The government has also activated its emergency heatwave plan, which includes the opening of cooling centres and the extension of swimming pool hours. The decision to ban alcohol was based on medical advice that alcohol consumption exacerbates heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and dehydration.
France has recorded 12 heat-related deaths since Monday, with the elderly and children most at risk. The red alert, the highest level, remains in effect for the next 48 hours. Local authorities in affected regions have been granted powers to enforce the alcohol ban, with fines of up to 135 euros for non-compliance.
The measure has drawn criticism from some event organisers, who argue that it will hurt tourism and local commerce. However, the government maintains that public safety takes precedence. The heatwave is expected to break by Sunday, as a cold front moves in from the Atlantic.