Have fun but be safe, officials tell revellers ahead of St. Patrick's Day
The weather for London, Ont., is looking decidedly Irish for Friday
As the weather warms up and spring appears to be peaking out from winter's gloomy haze, officials in London, Ont., are reminding St. Patrick's Day revellers to party safely this Friday.
"Public safety is our first priority and we are encouraging everyone to enjoy themselves but to do so responsibly," London police said in a statement.
"We will be enforcing the laws in regards to open liquor, underage drinking, city by-law offences and ensuring the streets remain accessible at all times. Our approach will be strict but fair. We ask Londoners to be safe, be smart, and be respectful."
March 17 is one of the busiest days for bars and restaurants. Some cities are bracing for parties, which have in the past gotten out of hand. Some social media accounts popular with post-secondary students are boasting how big their parties will get.
You’ll notice an increased police presence in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LdnOnt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LdnOnt</a> this weekend. 🚔 <br><br>We'll be out enforcing the laws in regards to open liquor, underage drinking, city by-law offences & ensuring the streets remain accessible.<br><br>Stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DontInviteUs2UrParty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DontInviteUs2UrParty</a> <a href="https://t.co/L4xbFfpcYf">pic.twitter.com/L4xbFfpcYf</a>
—@lpsmediaofficeThe parties have prompted some cities with large university and college crowds to pass nuisance bylaws to allow for stricter control on parties that get out of hand and on crowds that spill onto city streets.
In London, hospital officials say they're bracing for a possible influx of patients into already busy emergency rooms.
"Alcohol and other drugs can impair your reaction time, coordination, and ability to make smart, safe decisions," said Jennifer Britton, an injury prevention specialist at the London Health Sciences Centre.
"St. Patrick's Day is often associated with alcohol consumption, which can increase the likelihood and severity of injuries. It is important to pace yourself and take an extra second to consider the potential consequences associated with an activity or situation to reduce your chances of ending up in the emergency department this year."
The city's emergency management office is working with emergency responders to make sure people are safe, said Paul Ladouceur, the director of London's emergency management and security services.
"There will be a visible increase in enforcement throughout the day and night on Friday. We encourage those celebrating to do so responsibly," he said in a statement.
City officials will be working with police officers, fire fighters and paramedics, as well as hospitals, Western University and Fanshawe College and the health unit to make sure any large scale celebrations are safe.
St. Patrick's Day usually brings out green-clad revellers, particularly if the weather is nice. Friday's forecast is calling for periods of rain ending in the early afternoon, then a cloudy day. The high is expected to be 8 C and it will be windy.