Pittsburgh To St. Patrick's Day Revelers: You Better Behave

PITTSBURGH, PA — For the city's first real St. Patrick's Day Parade since 2019, Pittsburgh Public Safety officials are expecting atypically large crowds Saturday despite the forecast for potentially heavy snow. Their message for the hundreds of thousands of people expected to descend upon Downtown: Don't let excessive celebrating get you into trouble.

Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt said Thursday that city police and their county and state law enforcement partners will be monitoring crowds for underage drinking, public intoxication, and drinking and driving. Officers from the Pittsburgh Police mounted, motorcycle, bicycle and K9 units will be assisting zone officers on regular patrol.

“After two very challenging years, it’s understandable that people will be in the mood to celebrate one of Pittsburgh’s more beloved traditions; St. Patrick’s Day,” Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt said in a statement. “We encourage everyone to have fun and enjoy the day, but to do so safely."

In addition to larger crowds at the parade, public safety officials also are expecting a return to pre-pandemic crowd sizes at traditional bars and restaurants Downtown, on the South Side and North Shore. Schmidt reminded people that it is illegal to consumer alcohol in unlicensed public spaces and open container laws will be strictly enforced.

Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire officials and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will conduct occupancy checks and clear and close any establishment that exceeds occupancy limits.

In addition, paramedics and emergency medical technicians will be staging near celebration spots around the city.

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