European city enforces public alcohol ban to help deal with effects of heatwave

European city enforces public alcohol ban to help deal with effects of heatwave The measure is aimed at mitigating health risks posed by the intense heatwave currently affecting France and wider Europe - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Authorities in Paris are set to implement a public alcohol ban from Friday lunchtime. The measure is aimed at mitigating health risks posed by the intense heatwave currently affecting France and wider Europe. Paris police chief Patrice Faure announced the decision on Thursday, saying: "I will publish an edict this evening which will ban the consumption of alcohol in public from tomorrow midday onwards. “As you know, drinking alcohol with the sun beating down can have a devastating effect." Meanwhile, Belgium has issued a rare "red alert" for extreme heat as a prolonged heatwave threatens milk and meat production, with livestock struggling under scorching temperatures. The Flemish farming association Boerenbond has indicated that both milk and meat production are expected to fall, though precise figures are not yet available. Sander Palmans, 35, who directs the Agricultural Research and Education Center and farms in Bocholt, near the Dutch border, reported his cows and pigs are suffering from heat stress. Despite employing cooling techniques like fans, temperatures forecast to hit 40C (104F) are taking a significant toll. His cows are less active, eating less, and avoiding warm bedding, resulting in reduced milk yields. Pigs are also affected, with growth rates down by approximately 150 grams daily, impacting meat output. "This heatwave costs us between €150 and €200 a day," he stated, representing 10 to 15 per cent of his income. The Flemish agriculture ministry confirmed that the heatwave, widespread across Europe, is primarily impacting livestock farmers, as recent rainfall has mitigated drought concerns for crop producers. Mark Wulfrancke, a spokesperson for the Belgian farmers' association Algemeen Boerensyndicaat, noted: "Despite all the measures farmers are taking... you can still see production declining." Across the border in France, extreme heat has already led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of poultry, alongside reduced feed intake, increased water demand, and lower milk output for cattle farmers. Mr Palmans anticipates heatwaves will become more regular, necessitating more frequent use of artificial cooling systems. He suggested inlet temperatures for livestock housing might need to be reduced by as much as 8C. "Today it's an investment for just a few days a year, but we see that hot days are increasing," he concluded. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments