Authorities in Paris have temporarily banned public alcohol consumption and takeaway liquor sales as an intense heatwave continues to grip large parts of Europe, placing hospitals and emergency services under severe pressure.
The temporary restrictions, which do not apply to licensed bars and restaurants, were introduced after emergency services reported a sharp rise in heat-related incidents across the French capital.
Paris Introduces Temporary Alcohol Ban
Paris Police Prefect Patrice Faure said the city was approaching a saturation point in hospital capacity as temperatures climbed to record levels.
According to officials, emergency responders handled more than 2,500 calls in a single day, while hospitals recorded a significant increase in heat-related medical emergencies.
Faure warned that drinking alcohol under extreme temperatures could have devastating consequences for people’s health.
The move comes as several European countries continue to experience record-breaking June temperatures.
Why Alcohol Is Dangerous During a Heatwave
Health experts say alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing the body to lose more fluids than it takes in.
As a result, people become dehydrated more quickly, especially when exposed to prolonged heat.
Alcohol also affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, making it harder to cool down naturally.
Medical organisations, including the US National Weather Service and the Red Cross, advise people to avoid alcohol during heatwaves and instead drink plenty of water.
Alcohol Can Increase Strain on the Heart
Extreme heat causes blood vessels near the skin to widen so the body can release excess heat.
This process lowers blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder to maintain blood flow.
Experts say alcohol intensifies this effect by widening blood vessels even further.
The additional strain may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms, dehydration and, in vulnerable people, serious cardiovascular complications.
Officials in Paris also reported an increase in cardiac arrest cases during the ongoing heatwave.
Research Highlights Additional Risks
Although some scientific studies suggest that small amounts of alcohol may not immediately affect healthy young adults during short periods of heat exposure, researchers caution against treating these findings as proof that drinking is safe in extreme temperatures.
Most available studies involve small groups of healthy participants under controlled conditions and do not examine long-term alcohol use or severe heat exposure.
Medical experts continue to warn that alcohol can impair judgment and reduce awareness of early symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Water Safety Concerns Rise During Heatwaves
Authorities are also urging people to exercise caution near rivers, lakes and canals.
Alcohol affects coordination, balance and decision-making, increasing the risk of drowning.
With many people seeking relief from high temperatures by swimming outdoors, several drowning incidents have already been reported in parts of France and other European countries.
Europe Battles Record Temperatures
The current heatwave has broken temperature records across France, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Several countries have reported heat-related deaths, while hospitals continue to treat increasing numbers of patients suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.
Officials are encouraging residents and visitors to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak afternoon temperatures and follow public health advisories until conditions improve.
