New penalties for those caught drinking at S. Side Irish Parade
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By Tisha Lewis, FOX 32 News reporter - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
After years of witnessing people drink themselves into a stupor, organizers made the South Side Irish parade a family affair again last year. On Sunday, those changes remain in place.
The team at O'Brien's Pub in Beverly is preparing for Sunday's big South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade. That includes a plan to prevent patrons from breaking the law.
"They cannot take it outside. No alcohol containers on you. We're always looking out for that. Good police force out here so everything should run smoothly like it did last year," said Kevin Caponera, manager of O'Brien's Pub.
This year the maximum fine for having an open container of alcohol has doubled to a $1,000 and long-time parade goers we spoke with are not complaining.
"I actually like that, double the fines actually," Matt Caponera, a parade-goer said.
"That's perfect, for no reason," Pat Jedrey, another parade-goer said.
It's the parade's second year in action after a two year hiatus prompted by excessive boozing along the parade route.
Last year went off without a hitch and parade co-chair Kevin Coakley expects the same on Sunday.
"We are looking for the same results...family friendly event," Coakley said.
Organizers hope a lineup of family friendly activities Sunday morning will keep trouble makers away.
"We have check points...expect the same results," Coakley said. "This is about a family parade and we hope to keep it that way."
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