PARIS, France — French authorities have banned public alcohol consumption and takeaway alcohol sales in Paris as a record-breaking heatwave continues to grip Europe, pushing hospitals and emergency services to the brink.
Paris Police Prefect Patrice Faure announced the restrictions on Thursday, saying health facilities in and around the French capital were under mounting pressure due to soaring temperatures.
“We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities,” Faure said. “The number of hospitalisations keeps increasing.”
To ease pressure on emergency services, authorities ordered a temporary ban on drinking alcohol in streets and other public spaces from midday Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday, with the restrictions returning from midday Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday.
Takeaway alcohol sales will also be prohibited from 6 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday and again from 6 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday.
The prefecture clarified that the restrictions do not apply to customers consuming alcohol in licensed restaurants, cafés, and bars operating under valid permits.
Faure said the Paris Fire Brigade had experienced an unprecedented surge in emergency callouts, carrying out more than 2,500 interventions on Thursday alone—roughly double the normal workload.
The measures come as France battles one of its most intense June heatwaves on record, with temperatures climbing above 40 degrees Celsius in several regions.
Health authorities have reported a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, heatstroke, and cardiac emergencies, particularly among elderly residents and people with underlying medical conditions.
The restrictions form part of broader emergency efforts by French authorities to reduce health risks and maintain public order as extreme temperatures continue across much of the country.
The heatwave has also affected several other European nations, disrupting transport, increasing wildfire risks, and placing healthcare systems under growing strain. Meteorologists attribute the unusually high temperatures to a persistent “heat dome” trapping hot air over large parts of western Europe.
While forecasts indicate temperatures could begin easing in parts of western Europe from Friday, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant by staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and checking on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
French officials say emergency measures will remain under review depending on weather conditions and demand for health services.