Authorities say there will be zero tolerance for out-of-control behavior at the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade this weekend.
Boston police addressed their safety efforts ahead of Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Parade, stressing that there would be zero tolerance for violence or destructive behavior and warning that they would be cracking down on public drinking.
At a press conference at Boston Police Headquarters on Wednesday, Commissioner Michael Cox said there would be local, state and federal resources deployed throughout the route Sunday to keep people safe.
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Parade organizers have made several changes to this year's event aimed at ensuring that it is more family-friendly. That includes shifting the time from the traditional 1 p.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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“This is a family-friendly event, this is not a drinking fest,” Cox said. Police will be cracking down on public drinking.
It's all part of a larger effort to mitigate the unruly behavior that marred last year's Evacuation Day festivities.
"It was a black mark on this parade run by the veterans, and it didn't shine the best that Southie has to offer," Randy Greeley, commander of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, said Tuesday.
Beyond the time change, organizers are implementing several other measures, including more stringent rules for parade participants and ample portable restrooms. They also asked parents to be aware of any plans their children may have for the parade.
“We encourage parents if you allow your young folks to come to this event that you actually accompany with them," Cox said.
The commissioner noted that they are not looking to specifically target any group, but underage drinking and rowdy behavior was a problem last year.
Organizers and city officials are emphasizing that the 3.8-mile parade route runs through residential neighborhoods. They're urging attendees to respect the community, and to use the 180 portable toilets along the route.
Other reminders include that there is no drinking or smoking allowed on the T, and that attendees cannot bring backpacks, large purses or bags along the parade route. And watch closing times on parade day - package stores in South Boston will close at 4 p.m., bars and restaurants in South Boston are required their doors to new visitors around 6 p.m. and shut down by 7:30 p.m.
"It can be quite unpredictable when there are that many people in one place," Mayor Michelle Wu said. "It's a residential area. We welcome and are excited to have so many people celebrating in Boston, supporting local businesses, but that is someone's yard, and their home, and their family is going to walk out the next morning to that space."
