France Bans Alcohol at Fête de la Musique Amid Heatwave

Thu Jul 16 2026 02:48:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

French authorities prohibit alcohol at music festival events as a severe heatwave threatens record temperatures.

In response to a red‑alert heatwave expected to push temperatures into the 40‑degree Celsius zone, Paris and other French cities have banned alcohol consumption in public venues during the Fête de la Musique celebrations. The move aims to reduce strain on emergency and healthcare services during a period of high heat. Temperatures are forecast to peak at 39‑41°C in the Paris region, and the authority has warned of train cancellations and school suspensions. To help residents cope, parks and gardens in Paris will remain open overnight.

France Bans Alcohol at Fête de la Musique Amid Heatwave

French officials have halted the sale of alcohol in public venues for the annual music festival as the country faces a severe heatwave with temperatures predicted to reach 39‑41 °C in the Paris region.

Revellers dancing in the street during Fête de la Musique 2025 — Revellers dance in the streets during Fête de la Musique 2025.

Under the red heat‑alert, the government instructed state-organised events to refuse the provision of alcohol. The decision, made by the Prime Minister’s office, is intended to “preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable” during the heatwave.

The heatwave is already impacting daily life; dozens of train services have been cancelled and schools suspended across many departments. Temperature forecasts predict the peak on Monday, with some areas potentially hitting 41 °C.

Météo‑France reports uncertainty regarding the duration of the heatwave, which is expected to affect roughly three‑quarters of the population. In response, city authorities are keeping parks and gardens open throughout the night to give residents cool refuge.

The Fête de la Musique, a 40‑year‑old tradition held every summer solstice, normally draws millions of music lovers to streets and open spaces. Last year, about two million people attended public concerts in Paris alone. The alcohol ban is an unprecedented step, reflecting how France is adapting cultural celebrations to the emerging climate crisis.