Drunkenness - Alcoholism

Verified 13 January 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Can you drink alcohol freely? No, alcohol consumption is regulated and may be prohibited in certain places and for certain people. Similarly, drunkenness on public roads is illegal. We'll lay out the rules for you.

Public road

Drinking, selling and drinking on public roads are regulated.

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Public drunkenness

The apparent drunkenness in a public place (in the street, a park...) is prohibited.

FYI  

There is no defined blood alcohol level to define such drunkenness. The state of drunkenness is assessed by law enforcement depending on the situation.

Law enforcement officials (e.g. national police officers, national gendarmerie soldiers, municipal police officers) are authorized to drive, at its own expense, a person who is intoxicated in sobering cell.

This placement lasts for the time necessary for the effects of alcohol to dissipate (6 hours in general, but this period is left to the discretion of the person having authority or who took the initiative of the placement).

Sale and consumption of alcohol on public roads

The sale and consumption of alcohol on public roads is not prohibited.

However, they may be regulated by a local authority (e.g. by a prefectural or municipal decree). Such regulation must be limited in time and space.

Example :

The sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited near schools or the sale and consumption are prohibited in the city center from Saturday 2pm to Sunday 6am during the months of July and August.

The rules related to the sale of alcohol at night differ, in particular, according to the type of establishment.

Beverage outlets

The beverage outlets to be consumed on site may not be established around:

  • Health establishments, centers for the care, support and prevention of addictology and reception and support centers for the reduction of risks for drug users
  • Educational, training, collective accommodation or youth leisure establishments
  • Stadiums, swimming pools, public or private sports grounds.

The drinking outlets at night must make available to customers breathalyzers. These breath tests must indicate the blood alcohol levels in force and remind people that beyond these levels it is forbidden to drive.

FYI  

It is prohibited to sell or offer free alcohol in public places to minors under 18 years of age. Minors under 16 can't enter alone in a bar or café serving alcohol.

It must be accompanied by:

  • From a parent (parent)
  • Of a guardian
  • Or any other person of age having charge or supervision.

Stadiums and gymnasiums

The sale and distribution of alcohol is prohibited in stadiums and gymnasiums (except exceptional authorization).

By car

It is forbidden to drive with a blood alcohol level not less than 0,5 grams per liter of blood (or 0.2 grams per liter of blood, particularly with a probationary license or while driving).

Please note

Rules may vary depending on the situation: normal license, probationary license, accompanied driving or driving with EADEAD : Startup-inhibiting breath test.

At work

No alcoholic drinks is authorized at the workplace with the exception of wine, beer, cider or perry.

These drinks may be authorized:

  • For special events (e.g. start or end of year, birthday, business meal)
  • Or at the company restaurant (canteen).

The employer may also prohibit any alcohol in the company, for safety reasons in particular. It can be held liable in the event of an accident caused by a drunk employee.

FYI  

It is forbidden to allow persons who are intoxicated to enter or stay in the workplace.

A person arrested while intoxicated on the public highway may be subject to a fine of up to €150.

The person will be tried by the police court. The court may be that of the place:

  • Commission of the contravention
  • Or of the finding of the contravention
  • Or the defendant's residence.

In case of hospitalization (for example due to ethyl coma), the summons and hearing will take place later.

A person who is visibly intoxicated during a hunting party is at risk €1,500 of fine.

The sale of alcohol to minors is punishable by €7,500 of fine.

The same shall apply to the supply of such beverages free of charge to minors in beverage outlets and in all shops or public places.

The head of an establishment (bar or café serving alcohol), allowing a minor under 16 years of age to enter without a parent, guardian, or adult in charge or supervision, is liable to a fine of €750.

The driving under the influence of an alcoholic state is an offense which may result, depending on the blood alcohol content recorded, in:

  • Fine
  • Withdrawal of points from driving licenses
  • Suspension or withdrawal of the license
  • Or even a prison sentence.

A magistrate may issue a care order (requiring a referral for care).

People can approach their doctor or contact their doctor Alcohol Info Service.

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Attending physician

Alcohol info service

It is possible, if you wish to stay anonymous, to use theAlcohol Info Service.

Communication can also take place via chat.

Who shall I contact

  • Alcohol info service

    Help and support for anyone who has questions about their or a loved one’s alcohol use, information about effects, risks, law, and places of refuge

    By telephone

    0,980,980,930

    This call is anonymous and not surcharged (the cost of local calls from a fixed terminal, or included in the box and mobile plans).

    Open 7 days a week, from 8 am to 2 am.

    By individual chat

    By going on www.alcool-info-service.fr/chat

    This individual chat service (live with a headset) is open:

    • Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to midnight
    • Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

    When the chat is open and one of the headphones is available, a small window “ Need some help? is displayed. Click the button to start a chat. 

    If the chat is not working, it is advisable to call.

Reminder

If you are addicted to alcohol, you can get help from your doctor or a specialized center.