Mayor Asks Bars to Serve Alcohol Later on St. Patrick's Parade Day

Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the biggest and best parades of its kind, known for its joyous celebration of Irish heritage and the history and culture that infuses this city with pride.

The parade also is known for keeping police busy for alcohol-related incidents including public urination, disorderly conduct, and other crimes that occur during St. Patrick’s Day weekend revelries.

In an effort to keep the parade “family friendly,” Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano has asked Newport bars to refrain from selling alcohol before 11 a.m. on parade day.

“This coincides with the official step off of the parade and I think you will agree this is a reasonable time to begin bar service,” the mayor said in a letter sent to liquor license holders.

“As you know, this parade draws thousands of visitors to Newport and I want to make sure that visitors and residents alike are able to enjoy the parade in a safe and respectful atmosphere. Unfortunately, there have been times when families and other parade viewers are forced to listen to and observe the inappropriate behavior of individuals, turning what should be an enjoyable family event into an uncomfortable experience,” the letter said.

Bars can’t serve alcohol between 1 and 6 a.m. but aside from that restriction, there is no legal restriction preventing liquor service early in the morning. And it has been a tradition for many of Newport’s establishments to enjoy brisk business on the morning of the parade, either with bloody Marys with breakfast or green pints before the procession makes its way down Broadway.

For many watering holes, parade day marks a turning point for the business year and is a harbinger of the busier summer season. It has been a particularly tough winter this year, so the mayor’s letter has been met with some scoffing.

“I believe this request is counterproductive as this will only put the alcohol back out on the streets,” said John Begin, a local bartender, on Facebook. Begin said that not only would holding off service hurt businesses trying to recover from lost business this winter, “People are going to drink on Parade [Day].”

“If you police the streets, we will police the patrons and everyone will have a grand ole time!” Begin said.

Last year, 89 people were arrested on various charges including drinking in public and disorderly conduct.

Of the 89 arrests, 50 were for public drinking and 10 were charged with illegal possession of alcohol. Ten were cited for public urination.