Ald. Tunney Wants Less Drunken, Immature Behavior at Pride Parade

Chicago, IL, June 23, 2016 -- If you’re thinking about cracking open a beer or wine cooler at Chicago’s Pride Parade this Sunday beware: police will be watching and if arrested, you could face a hefty fine of up to $1,000.
Chicago police say they fully intend to uphold the new, stricter ordinance regarding drinking near parade routes and street drinking. If caught, lawbreaking revelers face fines of $500 to $1,000 for drinking on the public way; and $500 to 25 hours of community service for intoxicated minors.
Fines for those caught urinating or defecating in the public way range from $500 to $1000.
Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) said at a recent press conference that local residents have told him that the relatively new policy imposing harsher fines on public drinking have made for a calmer Pride Parade.
“My message is one of sobriety and less alcohol and less displays of immaturity,” Tunney said. “Let’s get home safely at reasonable hour and let’s get this neighborhood back to the residents of Lake View.”
The Chicago Police Department announced last week that it also planned to deploy more uniformed and plainclothes officers in the wake of the Orlando tragedy, so there will be extra eyes out on the streets watching for suspicious activity as well as street drinking.
Police officers will be supplemented by up to 160 private security guards. Chicago Department of Buildings inspectors will have their eyes trained on balconies and porches for signs of overloading by revelers.
Parade-goers will also pass through extra security checkpoints and can expect to have purses and bags searched for smuggled in booze and other restricted items, such as knives and guns.
Tunney warned that the Pride Parade came dangerously close to moving out of the neighborhood and downtown due to past rowdy behavior.
“That decision has been made and will continue, but trust me it is not a permanent decision on behalf of the Chicago Police Department, Homeland Security and the mayor’s office,” the alderman said. “I urge all Chicagoans, suburbanites and tourists that if we can do anything to remember the tragedy in Orlando is self respect, respect for the city and respect for law enforcement.”