France bars alcohol at Fête de la Musique amid record heatwave
On Saturday, France’s 40‑year‑old Fête de la Musique—a nationwide spontaneous music celebration—was set to welcome millions of revelers. In the wake of an unprecedented heatwave that could push temperatures well above 40°C, the government decided to prohibit alcohol at all public events under a red health alert.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu issued a decree that all state‑organised music and cultural gatherings must not provide alcoholic beverages to the public. The decision, aimed at reducing emergency department overload, follows warnings from Météo‑France that the heatwave may linger and spike recorded highs.
During the 2024 festival, 35 of France’s departments were on red alerts. Authorities urged that limiting alcohol consumption would allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable, such as the elderly and people with respiratory disease.
The heatwave has already disrupted daily life, forcing the cancellation of dozens of train journeys and the pause of school calendars, and French parks have stayed open into the night to give citizens shade and respite.
The 2024 Fête de la Musique allowed about two million people to attend events in Paris last year. With the new alcohol ban, organisers must plan events that stay compliant with health directives while still offering a festive atmosphere to keep the spirit of the celebration alive.
