Paris to ban drinking alcohol in public as hospitals hit heatwave breaking point
Paris is set to ban public alcohol consumption as a record-breaking heatwave pushes hospital capacity to its limits, with officials citing rising heat-related emergencies and strain on healthcare services.
Background
Paris is experiencing a severe June 2026 heatwave that has pushed hospital emergency services to crisis levels. In response, the city plans to ban drinking alcohol in public spaces — a temporary measure aimed at reducing heatstroke and dehydration risks (alcohol worsens both). While unprecedented in modern Paris, such bans are not unheard of during extreme heat or public health emergencies in France. The move reflects growing tensions between climate-driven heat events and urban infrastructure unprepared for sustained high temperatures.