Boston officials are warning that public drinking will not be tolerated at this Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston, as police also urge attendees to be vigilant about drink spiking during one of the city’s busiest nightlife weekends.

The Boston Police Department issued a community alert ahead of the celebration reminding attendees that public drinking, providing alcohol to minors, and open containers in public are illegal.

Police also cautioned attendees about the risks of drink spiking — when drugs such as “roofies” are secretly placed into beverages. These substances are often colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can cause disorientation, confusion, temporary paralysis, or unconsciousness, leaving victims vulnerable, according to the BPD statement. 

Police advised having drinks served directly by a bartender or server and to keep beverages attended at all times. BPD also suggested using drink-testing tools, such as test strips or special nail polish designed to detect drugs, and covering drinks when they are not being actively consumed. 

“Let’s work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring break for all,” police said. 

The warnings come as local officials say they are backing stronger enforcement after last year’s parade weekend saw incidents of violence and disorder. 

City Councilor Ed Flynn, U.S. Rep Stephen Lynch, state Sen. Nick Collins, and state Rep. David Biele wrote a joint letter to education leaders across Massachusetts, asking them to notify Boston-area college presidents and high school superintendents about the public safety protocols and potential consequences for students who break the law. 

“As elected officials, we have given our full support to public safety officials to enforce the law and keep the community safe,” they wrote.  

The group said it has spent the past year working with state and local agencies on a task force to address the “unacceptable ‘anything goes’ atmosphere” that developed last year. Issues included public drinking, disturbing incidents of violence, public assaults, people standing on rooftops without roof decks, overcrowded bars, beer cans thrown at parade marchers, and public urination on private property. 

“The Task Force is committed to restoring the Evacuation Day & St. Patrick’s Parade to a family-friendly event — inclusive for our seniors, persons with disabilities, and young children and families — that not only focuses on celebrating a consequential victory during the American Revolution, but to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, military families and first responders, as well as our proud immigrant heritage,” the group wrote.

In addition, the task force said they have developed strategies to address public drinking and underage alcohol smuggling on the MBTA, and Boston Fire Department Commissioner Paul Burke said there will be enforcement over roof deck overcrowding.

The City of Boston Licensing Board told Boston.com that it has reminded establishments about special rules in place for parade day.

Rules that licensees must follow include not serving alcohol before 12 p.m. without express permission, alcohol service must end by 7 p.m., and all patrons must leave licensed premises by 7:30 p.m. 

The spiking problem

Concerns about drink spiking were also discussed during a City Council hearing Thursday led by Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata.

Zapata said dozens of drink-spiking incidents are reported in Boston each year. The city recorded 116 reports in 2022, 107 in 2023, and 71 in 2024.

While the numbers have declined, experts believe many cases go unreported, she said.

Flynn said he has been meeting with Boston police monthly to discuss the issue and safety planning ahead of the parade.

The hearing also included testimony from residents, including one woman who said she was drugged in late 2022 at age 56 and taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.

She said she was denied a toxicology screen because she had not been sexually assaulted.

“I’m grateful I wasn’t, but a victim should not have to experience the worst-case scenario to receive basic medical evidence collection,” she said.

Wu administration officials and Boston police testifying at the hearing said a number of steps have been taken to try to prevent drink spiking, including distributing thousands of drink covers to bars and restaurants so patrons can protect their beverages. 

But the woman who testified said she had never encountered the covers.

“Where are they? I live in Boston, go out often, and have never seen one,” she said. 

“Any one of you could be drugged today, via a glass of water, coffee, wine. Your teenage daughter, your son, your mother, your father — nobody’s immune,” she added. 

Councilor Erin Murphy questioned whether the approach is effective, saying she has never seen people using the drink covers and that they could imply victims are responsible for preventing their drinks from being tampered with.

Boston Police Capt. Det. Terry Thomas said bars and restaurants are encouraged to remake drinks for anyone who suspects their beverage may have been spiked.

Zapata said the concerts are particularly relevant heading into St. Patrick’s Day celebrations — “one of the busiest weekends for nightlife” in Boston.

“We know Boston is safe, but we also know that drink spiking has been a concern in the city over the last several years,” Zapata said. “Public safety means making sure people can enjoy [themselves] without worrying that their drink could be tampered with.”