France Bans Alcohol at Fete de la Musique Amid Red Heatwave Alert

France announced that alcohol consumption will be prohibited at the annual Fête de la Musique on 21 June 2026 in all departments placed under a red heat‑wave alert. The ban applies to public spaces and to the offering of alcohol at events organized by the state and its agencies. The measure follows a crisis meeting called by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and a statement from the Prime Minister’s office citing Reuters.

Prefects in the 35 departments that will be under the red alert are required to issue decrees that forbid alcohol consumption in public spaces. The decree also instructs that alcohol should not be offered at any state‑run event, including the free concerts that make up the Fête de la Musique. The ban takes effect from noon on Sunday, 21 June, when the red alert is activated.

Météo‑France, the national meteorological service, issued the red alert on Saturday, warning that temperatures could reach 41 °C in some areas on Sunday and that the next day could see temperatures between 37 °C and 42 °C. The red alert is the highest level of warning, indicating an exceptional heatwave in terms of intensity, duration and potential health impact. It covers more than a third of the country, including the Île‑de‑France region and Paris.

The Fête de la Musique, also known as Music Day, is a mid‑June celebration that began in Paris in 1982 and has since spread to 120 countries. The event encourages citizens to play music outdoors and hosts free concerts in parks, streets and public squares. In 2025, Paris alone attracted nearly two million participants, and the festival is a key part of France’s cultural calendar.

The government’s decision reflects a broader strategy to protect public health during extreme heat. The Prime Minister’s office said that the ban was part of the measures taken in response to the heatwave’s long‑term high temperatures. The decree is intended to reduce the risk of heat‑related illnesses that can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption.

The ban is currently in force for the duration of the red alert. Prefects will enforce the prohibition, and authorities will monitor compliance at festival sites. The measure is expected to remain until the heatwave subsides and the alert level is lowered.

In summary, France has imposed an alcohol ban at the 21 June Fête de la Musique in all departments under a red heat‑wave alert, following a directive from the Prime Minister’s office and decrees issued by prefects. The ban covers consumption and offering of alcohol in public spaces and applies to state‑organized events. It is part of the government’s response to the extreme temperatures forecast by Météo‑France.