The City of Boston and the Boston Police Department Encourages Parade Goers to Celebrate Responsibly

Throughout the holiday weekend, the Boston Police Department will be taking steps to increase patrols, focusing not only on the parade route and calls for service, but also at drinking establishments. Our priority will be to ensure the safety of our community. Our intent is to encourage people to celebrate responsibly while strictly adhering to all alcohol laws.

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

We applaud the many parade-goers who always act responsibly and respect their surroundings. We also commend the hundreds of officers who are committed to ensuring your safety in a professional and respectful manner.

The City is also looking forward to the festivities! However, our prime focus is to ensure a peaceful parade and fun for everyone.

Enjoy the parade and be safe!

Sincerely,

Mayor Thomas M. Menino

Police Commissioner Edward Davis

 

KNOW THE LAWS

Public Drinking

No person shall drink any alcoholic beverage while on, in or upon any public way or in any place to which members of the public have access.

City Ordinance 16-12.28: Drinking alcohol in public/keeping open containers is barred;

City Ordinance 16-32.2: Violation of the above ordinance punishable by fines up to $200;

Violation of these city ordinances is an arrestable offense under M.G.L. c. 272, §59.

 Keeper of a Disorderly House

Keepers of noisy and disorderly houses, idle and disorderly persons, disturbers of the peace, and persons guilty of indecent exposure may be punished by up to 6 months in jail, by a fine of up to $200, or both. M.G.L. c. 272, §53. Under M.G.L. c. 272, §54, violation of the above section is an arrestable offense.

Alcohol to a Minor

It is unlawful for anyone, including minors, to provide alco­ hol to any individual under age 21. M.G.L. c. 138, §34.  A violation of this law is punishable by a fine of up to $2000 or up to 1 year in prison, or both.  M.G.L. c. 138, §56 makes a violation of §34 an arrestable offense.

Disturbing the Peace

Prohibits any person from committing intentional actions or conduct, in or near a public place that most people would find to be unreasonably disruptive and, in fact infringe the right of at least one person to be undisturbed.

Any person found disturbing the peace is subject to arrest and a penalty of up to 6 months in the house of corrections or a fine of up to $200.00.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct is defined as a person, who with the purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof:

Engages in fighting or threatening, or in a violent or tumultuous behavior; or

Creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor.

Any person engaging in disorderly conduct is subject to arrest and a penalty of up to 6 months in the house of corrections or a fine of up to $200.

Roof Safety

No person may occupy, stand on, sit on, or use a roof deck that has not been issued a permit by the lnspectional Services Department.

City Ordinance 9-9.13 Regulating Access to Roof Areas of Buildings and Residential Areas;

 Each and every violation of this ordinance is punishable by a fine of $300.00.

WHAT THE BPD EXPECTS FROM THE COMMUNITY

Enjoy the Parade and please be considerate of fellow parade-goers.

Public drinking will not be tolerated.

Don’t engage in 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 street signs and to follow parking instructions.

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.

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.

 

WHAT THE COMMUNITY SHOULD EXPECT

FROM THE BOSTON POLICE

 BPD will significantly increase patrols in and around the South Boston area.

BPD maintains open lines of communication with all local colleges and Universities. Any student arrested will not only face criminal charges, but will also be subject to penalties imposed by their academic institution.

BPD will strictly enforce compliance to all alcohol laws. Officers will be conducting walk-throughs 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 we will have officers on duty focused specifically on this effort. Do not ruin your celebration by hurting yourself or others.

Officers will conduct themselves in a professional, respectful and proportional manner.

 CITYWIDE PARTY LINE

Residents are encouraged to use the Boston Police “Party Line” to report concerns over a loud gathering in your neighborhood. Residents should contact 617-343-5500.

If there is an emergency, please dial 911.