Paris Imposes Street Drinking Ban Amid Scorching Heatwave

As a heatwave grips France, the city of Paris has taken measures to protect its residents by banning the consumption of alcohol on the streets. The French government has urged local authorities to prohibit drinking in areas under a red heatwave alert, in an effort to avoid overwhelming emergency services. With temperatures expected to soar to 38 degrees Celsius in the shade on Sunday, the police prefecture in Paris has forbidden the consumption of spirits in public spaces. This move comes as the country celebrates the national 'Fête de la Musique' festival. However, the restaurant union has criticized the government's decision, calling it too little, too late, as alcohol stocks have already been prepared for the festival and drinking is still permitted on terraces. The heatwave has prompted the French meteorological service to issue a red alert, the highest level of weather warning, for 49 departments across the country, affecting around 35 million people. The government's decision aims to mitigate the risks associated with excessive drinking in extreme heat, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.