France bans alcohol from music festivals over 40C heatwave | World | News

France has banned alcohol at some events during a major national music festival as temperatures soared to 40°C amid an intense heatwave. The annual Fête de la Musique celebrations draw millions of people to the streets and public spaces across the country.

But with a third of the country under peak heatwave alert, authorities have banned alcohol consumption in public areas covered by red alerts. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s office said: “Alcohol has been instructed not to be served at all events organized by the state and its institutions.”

Temperatures between 39 and 40 degrees are forecast for Sunday from the southwest to the Paris region and Burgundy, while some areas may experience temperatures as high as 41 degrees.

While forecasters expect temperatures to peak on Monday, officials have warned that conditions could approach historic records.

The government said limits on alcohol consumption were needed “to protect emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable”.

An intense heatwave developed across much of Europe, with many regions experiencing temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages.

The hot weather has already disrupted daily life in France, leading to the cancellation of dozens of train services and the suspension of classes in some regions.

Météo-France, France’s national weather service, said it was “uncertain” how long the heatwave would last. It is estimated that extreme temperatures will affect approximately three-quarters of the country’s population.

In Paris, authorities are keeping parks and gardens open throughout the night to help residents and tourists escape the heat.

One of France’s largest cultural celebrations, Fête de la Musique has been held for over 40 years and takes place every year on the summer solstice.

Nearly two million people attended events in the French capital last year.