Paris Police Prohibits Alcohol Consumption at Eiffel Tower Event

The Paris police announced the prohibition of a snack giant organized through Facebook for next Sunday at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, as consuming alcohol is permanently forbidden in that public space.

The snack giant planned for May 23 may not take place because the consumption of alcohol is banned permanently in that public space, according to a statement from the capital city police.

Security Measures in Place

The Eiffel Tower and its surroundings are among the most popular tourist spots in the French capital. The police formally discouraged attendance on Sunday from 18:00 local time at Campo de Marte, the green space at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

For security reasons, the police will ban the transportation and possession of bottles and glass containers that night. They stated, "Aware of the responsibility it has in its mission to protect people and the public space, the police will mobilize the necessary resources to confront any attempt to realize the event announcement," as mentioned in the same statement.

Minister's Comments on Event Regulations

This announcement comes a day after the French Interior Minister, Brice Hortefeux, stated that they would not prohibit the appetizers giants or bottles, as they are known in Spain, unless they do not meet safety conditions. He emphasized that a general ban is not desirable or considered, but each case must be assessed individually.

Recent Tragedy Influences Decision

The minister mentioned that those responsible for organizing such events, invited through Facebook, must clearly identify themselves. This ministerial meeting and the decision of the Prefecture of Police of Paris come a week after the death of a young man in Nantes, who participated in a snack giant that attracted around 10,000 people. The 21-year-old fell from a bridge ramp and tragically died.

An autopsy revealed that the victim had 2.40 grams of alcohol in his blood, equivalent to 10 to 15 glasses of hard liquor. In France, the permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 grams, equivalent to two glasses of wine, beer, or whisky.

Expected Attendance at the Event

The snack giant next Sunday in Paris was expected to attract between 30,000 and 50,000 people.