Hoboken Mayor Vows Zero Tolerance for Public Drunkenness During Saturday St. Pat's Festivities

The Hoboken St. Patrick's Day Parade is all about fun and a good time. But, if you break the rules—we're talking public drunkenness, public urination or other forms of disturbance—you will be slapped with a fine that can be as high as $2,000.

The city is expecting roughly 30,000 visitors to come to Hoboken on Saturday.

Just like last year, the City of Hoboken is implementing a "Zero Tolerance" rule. On top of the fine, the city will also issue community service. 

More than 75 people worked for the city after last year's St. Patrick's Day Parade. One girl, Mayor Dawn Zimmer said, is still completing her 180 hours of community service. 

There will be 200 police officers patrolling the streets at any given time, said Police Captain Ed Garcia. The city is also receiving some additional help from other law enforcement agencies, such as the Port Authority. 

The cost of the day—such as overtime for the Police Department and Department of Environmental Services—is still undetermined, but Zimmer said it will be in excess of $100,000. 

The parade will also cost more than last year, Garcia said, because the outside help will cost some more money.

Hoboken police will also work together with the Hoboken Fire Department to break up house parties that are over crowded and to prevent any fire hazards.

"I’m glad to see that the police department is preparing for the crowds and laying down the law," said Councilwoman Theresa Castellano in a press release. Castellano's ward (the first) is where a lot of the bars are located.  

The will open at 9 a.m. and the parade will start at 14th and Washington Streets at 1 p.m.