Paris bans alcohol in public amid record-breaking heatwave

Authorities in France's capital have imposed restrictions on the sale and public consumption of alcohol, hoping to ease the burden on hospitals of people being brought in with dehydration as Paris bakes in a record-breaking heat wave. City officials announced that the consumption of alcohol in public spaces would be prohibited, with the exception of outdoor seating areas at bars and restaurants, from noon on Friday until an ongoing heat wave alert is lifted. Temperatures have set records this week, but they are forecast to ease across Western Europe over the weekend. The sale of alcoholic beverages to take home - but not in bars and restaurants - is also prohibited during the ban. Swimmers sunbathe on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin as France experiences a heatwave in Paris on June 20, 2026. ARNAUD FINISTRE /AFP via Getty Images The measure is aimed at reducing pressure on medical workers and emergency services during the heat wave. "We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities," Paris Police chief Patrice Faure said Thursday. "The number of hospitalizations keeps increasing … I must ensure that the pressure decreases." At least 55 people have drowned across France in recent days as they seek respite from the heat in ponds, lakes and rivers, the country's national sports minister said Friday. "Yesterday evening we were at 55, but we fear that the situation may worsen," Minister Marina Ferrari told the franceinfo news outlet. …