France introduces controversial alcohol ban amid summer heatwave
When you think of France, you always think of a very civilised glass of wine or two - but that's under threat thanks to the heatwave.
As temperatures continue to soar at home and abroad, a controversial new ban has been put in place in France.
A red heatwave warning has been issued for half of the country, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees.
Some 49 of 96 regions are under red alert, with the others on an orange alert.
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It's reported that 90 per cent of the population is set to be affected by the sweltering heat.
The French government has now banned the public consumption of alcohol in any of the red alert regions.
This also includes state-organised events, including yesterday's annual Fête de la Musique, a music festival designed to celebrate a midsummer solstice.
Elsewhere, in the UK, 7,500 have been tagged with alcohol monitors to make sure they don't drink during the World Cup.
Emmanuel Gregoire, the mayor of Paris, warned: “The combination of alcohol, heat and proximity to water – those are three risk factors that don’t mix well."
“Prefects will issue decrees banning alcohol consumption in public spaces in the departments under red alert,” the government added.
“For all events organised by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol.”
It stressed the decision was made in order to 'preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable'.
French president, Emmanuel Macron, echoed the importance of looking out for one another, and especially the very young and old: “In the face of this heatwave, let’s look out for one another. Let’s all keep a close eye on our elderly, our children, and those who are isolated or vulnerable,” he said.
Stéphanie Rist, France’s health minister, also warned: "Many people are going to suffer, because bodies suffer from an accumulation of high temperatures."
When news of the ban spread, response was strong on social media.
"The formidable French can handle their alcohol in the heat!" insisted one, while another commenter added: "But we will just drink chilled beer, promise! Please!"
"France banning wine? They want another revolution" joked someone else.
"Music festival, ban alcohol, why not just ban the festival itself! What kind of music festival makes sense without alcohol?" quizzed one critic, while someone else fumed: "Because some people can’t regulate their alcohol intake, as usual, everyone pays the price!"
It's believed temperatures could reach 42C in some red zones, leading to the cancellation of multiple sporting events and marathons for public safety.
Fireworks have also been banned, with Disneyland Paris having to cancel the pyrotechnic elements of their evening shows, as well as reducing the number of character appearances and parades.
According to the BBC, the heatwave is being caused by hot air moving north from the Sahara desert, which is then trapping hot air over western and central Europe.
The UK is also experiencing an amber heat warning, with predicted temperatures of 35 degrees this week.
Jen Thomas