Police: Zero Tolerance for Open Alcohol Containers at Pearl River St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Orangetown Police Department announced a "zero tolerance" policy regarding open alcohol containers at the 51st Annual Rockland County St. Patrick's Day Parade Sunday in Pearl River.

"As this event attracts thousands of spectators, public safety is always a concern," said Orangetown Police Lt. Anthony Mercurio through a press release. "To enhance the safety of all participants and spectators, the police department is enforcing a "Zero Tolerance" policy for open containers with an alcoholic beverage. We ask all people attending this event to abide by the law as summonses will be issued for violations, and custodial arrests made if necessary."

"The open container law will be strictly enforced this year," said William Lee, co-chair of the parade organizing committee. "They will not tolerate it."

Lee said the parade could see more traffic from people who went to the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hoboken, which has been cancelled for the second consecutive year due to alcohol-related incidents. That and having the parade on fall on St. Patrick's Day this year could also increase the number of people during and after the parade. 

Orangetown Police will also engage in what Mercurio called "pro active DWI enforcement" after the parade, which begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.