Mayor Menino Reminds Parade-goers to Celebrate Responsibly
The City of Boston has again made plans to ensure a safe and festive St. Patrick’s Day weekend including the St. Patrick\’s Day Parade in South Boston.  The Boston Police Department (BPD) will increase patrols, focusing not only on Sunday’s parade in South Boston, but also at drinking establishments on St. Patrick’s Day and throughout the weekend.  To encourage people to get home safely on Sunday after all-day parade celebrations, the City has ordered package stores and bars in South Boston to close early on Sunday, March 20, 2011.  Package Stores will close at 4pm and bars must close by 7:30pm on Sunday.  Residents are encouraged to take public transportation when traveling and to and from the parade.

“St. Patrick’s Day festivities are a fun and exciting tradition in the City of Boston,” said Mayor Menino. “We are working hard to provide a festive, fun, and family-friendly atmosphere and we ask that everyone celebrate responsibly to contribute to a positive and welcoming environment for all.”

The Boston Police Department, in addition to increasing visibility and patrols, will be strictly enforcing all alcohol laws.  BPD maintains open lines of communication with all local colleges and universities and any student arrested will not only face criminal charges, but will also be subject to penalties imposed by their academic institution.  Officers will be conducting walkthroughs of bars and city streets, especially in areas highly populated with college students.

In addition, officers are working cooperatively with liquor establishments to be sure alcohol laws are strictly enforced. DUI enforcement will be a priority and BPD will have officers on duty focused specifically on this effort.

“It is our hope that residents and guests alike will enjoy themselves this St. Patrick’s Day. We expect a peaceful and enjoyable weekend,” said Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis. “We are working closely with members of the South Boston community to create an event that is designed for families.”

City Officials remind all of the following:

• Public drinking will not be tolerated.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Refrain from negative behavior such as fighting, throwing beverages or destroying property.
• Respect police instructions and, if asked to leave an area, please do so peacefully.
• Please be aware that parking along the parade route will be limited. Individuals are reminded to be mindful of parking restrictions.
• If you are hosting a party along the parade route, YOU are responsible for your guests. Please make safe decisions and refrain from unsafe roof top viewing.
• Taxis and public transportation offer inexpensive and smart alternatives to drinking and driving. Please take advantage of them. A designated driver is also an alternative.

Residents are encouraged to use the Boston Police “Party Line” at 617-343-5500 to report concerns over a loud gathering in your neighborhood. Residents can also call the Mayor’s 24-hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 with any questions or concerns.

Mayor Menino Reminds Parade-goers to Celebrate Responsibly
The City of Boston has again made plans to ensure a safe and festive St. Patrick’s Day weekend including the St. Patrick\’s Day Parade in South Boston.  The Boston Police Department (BPD) will increase patrols, focusing not only on Sunday’s parade in South Boston, but also at drinking establishments on St. Patrick’s Day and throughout the weekend.  To encourage people to get home safely on Sunday after all-day parade celebrations, the City has ordered package stores and bars in South Boston to close early on Sunday, March 20, 2011.  Package Stores will close at 4pm and bars must close by 7:30pm on Sunday.  Residents are encouraged to take public transportation when traveling and to and from the parade.

“St. Patrick’s Day festivities are a fun and exciting tradition in the City of Boston,” said Mayor Menino. “We are working hard to provide a festive, fun, and family-friendly atmosphere and we ask that everyone celebrate responsibly to contribute to a positive and welcoming environment for all.”

The Boston Police Department, in addition to increasing visibility and patrols, will be strictly enforcing all alcohol laws.  BPD maintains open lines of communication with all local colleges and universities and any student arrested will not only face criminal charges, but will also be subject to penalties imposed by their academic institution.  Officers will be conducting walkthroughs of bars and city streets, especially in areas highly populated with college students.

In addition, officers are working cooperatively with liquor establishments to be sure alcohol laws are strictly enforced. DUI enforcement will be a priority and BPD will have officers on duty focused specifically on this effort.

“It is our hope that residents and guests alike will enjoy themselves this St. Patrick’s Day. We expect a peaceful and enjoyable weekend,” said Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis. “We are working closely with members of the South Boston community to create an event that is designed for families.”

City Officials remind all of the following:

• Public drinking will not be tolerated.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Refrain from negative behavior such as fighting, throwing beverages or destroying property.
• Respect police instructions and, if asked to leave an area, please do so peacefully.
• Please be aware that parking along the parade route will be limited. Individuals are reminded to be mindful of parking restrictions.
• If you are hosting a party along the parade route, YOU are responsible for your guests. Please make safe decisions and refrain from unsafe roof top viewing.
• Taxis and public transportation offer inexpensive and smart alternatives to drinking and driving. Please take advantage of them. A designated driver is also an alternative.

Residents are encouraged to use the Boston Police “Party Line” at 617-343-5500 to report concerns over a loud gathering in your neighborhood. Residents can also call the Mayor’s 24-hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 with any questions or concerns.