Paris: French authorities have introduced temporary restrictions on public alcohol consumption and takeaway alcohol sales in Paris as Europe continues to experience an intense heatwave that is now moving eastward.
Under the new measures, drinking alcohol in public will be prohibited from 12:00pm to 7:00am on Friday and again during the same hours from Saturday to Sunday. Takeaway alcohol sales will also be suspended between 6:00pm and 7:00am on both evenings. Licensed bars and restaurants are exempt from the restrictions.
Sébastien Lecornu said the country’s highest heat alert level has been activated to strengthen hospital staffing and protect vulnerable residents. Paris police chief Patrice Faure said the measures were introduced as hospitals face increasing pressure during the extreme weather.
The heatwave, which has affected France, Spain and the UK in recent days, is expected to spread further into Central Europe. Forecasters have warned that temperatures in Germany could reach 40°C, while an extreme weather warning has also been issued for the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, Simon Stiell said the severe heatwave highlights the growing impact of climate change and called for faster action to improve climate resilience, expand renewable energy and protect forests.
France has continued to break temperature records, with meteorological authorities reporting exceptionally high overnight temperatures as the country experiences one of its hottest periods on record.
