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Due to the extreme heat, the consumption of alcohol has been banned in several places in France, reports a BBC. The measure is justified by the fact that the authorities want to relieve the emergency and health care system due to the heat wave affecting most of the country.
According to the French Prime Minister’s Office, instructions were given not to serve alcohol at all events organized by the state or a state institution. The measure primarily applies to those areas where the highest level, red heat alert is in effect.
On Sunday, a peak temperature of 39-40 degrees Celsius is expected from the south-west of France through the Paris region to Burgundy, with temperatures reaching 41 degrees in some places. According to forecasts, the heat could peak on Monday and even break historical records.
The heat wave lasting several days has already caused significant disruptions: dozens of train services have been canceled and education has been suspended in some places. According to the French Meteorological Service, it is not yet possible to say exactly how long the extreme heat will last, which is estimated to affect about three quarters of the country’s population.
In order to alleviate the situation, the authorities keep the parks and public gardens of Paris open throughout the night so that residents and tourists can spend the night in a cooler environment.
The ban on public alcohol consumption mainly affects the Fête de la Musique festival, which dates back more than forty years, and is held every year during the summer solstice in several cities and locations. Last year, around two million people took part in the festival’s programs in Paris alone.
