Boston Police Arrest 17 at St. Patrick’s Day Parade Following Public Drinking Crackdown

Seventeen people were arrested near South Boston's St. Patrick's Day parade as authorities intensified a crackdown on public drinking, according to Boston Police.

Boston.com reported that officials had warned there would be zero tolerance for public drinking and drink spiking, in light of violence and disorder during the prior year's parade weekend.

Last year's St. Patrick's Day parade saw arrests and charges for offenses such as public drinking, property destruction, disorderly conduct, and assault. All of these incidents set the backdrop for a stricter approach this year.

According to Boston.com, MBTA Transit Police confiscated dozens of gallons of alcohol in the first 25 minutes of the parade at Broadway Station, including more than 30 “blackout rage gallons,” as seen in agency images. The MBTA had projected close to a million attendees. As a result, the agency decided to operate shuttle buses from South Station to South Boston, with some adjustments to the Broadway line to manage crowd levels.

South Boston residents submitted 311 complaints about parade attendees, citing underage drinking, loud parties, public indecency, and trash around the parade area. Additionally, 311 reports highlighted issues on East Second Street, First Street, and near 64 Telegraph Street. A 311 report also included an image of people on the roof of a building, which 311 referred to the Boston Fire Department for response.

This year's parade took a different route, starting at Andrew Square, the parade organizer, the Allied War Veterans Council, announced last month. The adjusted route included a detour to honor the 250th Evacuation Day and was also anticipated to improve crowd flow.