Public drinking banned at France’s Fête de la Musique due to extreme weather

Authorities in France made a decision to ban public alcohol consumption during annual nationwide Fête de la Musique celebrations over the weekend due to extreme weather.

Drinking in "red alert" zones, which included 49 of France's 96 regions, was restricted on Sunday, June 21, as temperatures soared as high as 40 degrees celsius in some areas across the country.

"For all events organised by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol," the office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said (via BBC).

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Fête de la Musique, the annual celebration which sees millions across France take part in street parties, free concerts, and outdoor music events, was impacted as several events taking place before 7:PM were cancelled or moved indoors.

Revellers were also warned to be cautious as record heatwaves hit, with President Emmanuel Macron urging those across France to “look out for others”, particularly vulnerable people, the elderly, and children.

"We are facing an episode that is particularly intense and unusually early," said the minister for ecological transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, via France24.

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While some events were called off due to extreme weather conditions, many across Paris and Lyon continued despite fears that it could heighten health emergencies.

The alcohol ban was made to minimise health risks and emergency service call-outs, with the government saying that it could "allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable".

While extreme temperatures are said to be “setting in for the long term” in France, with almost historic highs recorded, authorities have decided to keep parks and gardens across Paris open throughout the night to help those in the capital deal with the heat.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor