Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Photo Archive
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — South Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is continuing to sound the alarm about safety at the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Two years ago, Flynn suggested moving the parade out of Southie after public drinking and fights marred the annual event that draws tens of thousands of visitors.
Flynn said things improved last year due to the efforts of Boston police and the community, who he has been meeting with regularly. This year, Flynn is hoping that that positive trend continues.
"We have to keep up the progress and ensure that we have zero tolerance for public drinking, violence, fighting," Flynn said. "This is a parade that respects our South Boston veterans, our military families, and Gold Star families."
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Boston police say public drinking will not be tolerated on parade day, and violators will be arrested. This year, there will also be a family-friendly zone.
In another major change, the parade route will be reversed this year — starting in Andrews Square and ending at Broadway Station. Earlier this week, Flynn said the change was at the request of Andrew Square residents.
“This is an opportunity for us to say thank you to our residents and veterans in the Andrews Square neighborhood for their contributions to our city and nation,” Flynn told WBZ NewsRadio earlier this week.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Mike Macklin reports.