France Bans Alcohol at Music Festivals Amid Record Heatwave and Red Alerts
PARIS, June 20 (Reuters) — French authorities announced Saturday a sweeping ban on alcohol consumption during the annual Fête de la Musique music festivals on June 21 in any department or administrative district placed under a red heatwave alert starting from noon on Sunday.
The decision, taken during an emergency crisis meeting convened by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, targets the hottest regions where temperatures are forecast to soar above 40°C (104°F). “Prefects will issue decrees banning alcohol consumption in public spaces in the departments under red alert,” the Prime Minister's office said in a statement, adding that “for all events organized by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol.”
The ban comes as Meteo France, the national weather service, upgraded its warning to the highest red level for 35 departments — including Paris — citing “very high temperatures settling in for the long term across the country.” The heatwave, which began earlier this week, is expected to intensify through the weekend and into early next week, raising public health concerns as thousands gather for outdoor concerts and street parties.
France's Fête de la Musique, a nationwide festival held annually on June 21, draws massive crowds in cities and towns, with performances spilling into public squares, parks, and streets. The alcohol prohibition, while unprecedented for the event, reflects growing urgency in managing heat-related risks such as dehydration, heatstroke, and accidents. Local health authorities have also urged residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
“This is a precautionary measure to protect lives,” said a spokesperson for the Health Ministry, noting that ambulance services are on standby for an expected surge in heat-related emergencies. The red alert, rarely issued, signals an “exceptional meteorological phenomenon” with potentially life-threatening consequences.
Critics, however, argue the ban may be difficult to enforce given the decentralized nature of the festival, where street musicians and revelers often bring their own drinks. Nonetheless, officials stress that the primary goal is to reduce the combined risk of alcohol impairment and extreme heat, which can rapidly lead to medical crises.
The heatwave is also expected to strain France's power grid as air conditioning usage spikes, while agricultural authorities warn of potential crop damage. The government has activated its interministerial crisis center and is closely monitoring hospital capacity across affected regions.
(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Additional reporting by Sylvie Corbet; Editing by Franklin Paul and Ed Osmond)