France bans alcohol at state events as heatwave triggers red alert

French authorities have banned alcohol at state-run events as a dangerous heatwave places nearly half the country under a red alert.

The restriction comes as France marks the annual Fête de la Musique, a nationwide street music festival that draws millions of people outdoors each summer.

According to France 24, the office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ordered all state-organised events to stop serving alcohol to help ease pressure on emergency and healthcare services as temperatures continue to soar.

"For all events organised by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol. The limits on alcohol consumption aim to preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable," the prime minister's office said.

The BBC reported that the extreme weather has been fuelled by hot air moving north from the Sahara Desert, pushing temperatures across western and central Europe to between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages.

The southwestern city of Bordeaux recorded temperatures of 40°C on Sunday, while forecasters warned that Paris could break historic temperature records on Monday, June 22.

"We do not see temperatures falling before the end of the week. Very high temperatures are setting in for the long term," France's Ecology Minister Mathieu Lefevre told People.

Neighbouring countries are also grappling with the heat. Italy has issued red alerts for eight major cities, including Milan and Florence, while Spain is experiencing temperatures of up to 40°C across much of the country.

The heatwave has disrupted daily life and public services in France. Nearly 850 schools have closed completely, while another 1,500 sent students home early. Rail operators have also suspended dozens of train services due to concerns that extreme temperatures could damage tracks.

To help residents and tourists find relief, Paris authorities have kept parks and gardens open overnight, allowing people to cool down after dark.

France's meteorological agency, Météo-France, said it remains unclear when the heatwave will ease, leaving an estimated three-quarters of the population exposed to the extreme conditions.