As record-breaking temperatures continue to grip Paris, authorities have resorted to drastic measures in an attempt to mitigate the effects of the extreme heatwave. A temporary ban on public alcohol consumption and takeaway sales has been put in place this weekend, with officials warning that hospitals and emergency services are facing unprecedented pressure.
The restrictions, which came into effect at noon on Friday, prohibit drinking alcohol in public spaces such as streets, canals, and along the Seine. Sales of takeaway alcohol from shops and supermarkets will be forbidden between 6pm on Friday and Saturday morning, and during the same hours on Saturday. However, bars, restaurants, and cafes with designated seating areas are exempt.
The decision follows a period of unparalleled temperatures in Paris, which has experienced its highest-ever temperature of 40.9C on Wednesday. The extreme heat has led to a significant surge in emergency callouts, with ambulance services responding to approximately 2,500 incidents daily – more than double their usual volume. Many of these calls are linked to dehydration, heat-induced illnesses, and cardiac arrests, which have reportedly quadrupled in a 24-hour period, affecting even younger individuals.
In an effort to alleviate pressure on critical services, major public events have been cancelled or postponed. Paris Pride, an event that typically attracts hundreds of thousands, has been rescheduled to September, while the Solidays music festival has been called off. Police officials deemed these large gatherings a significant health risk given the extreme temperatures and the strain on ambulance and hospital facilities.
While full statistics on heatwave-related deaths are still pending, Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has indicated that fatalities in Paris have undoubtedly risen. Across France, over 44 million people – nearly two-thirds of the population – have been under the highest red alert for heat this week, with several more days of stifling conditions anticipated.