The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is widely recognized in greater New England, for better or worse, as a chance to get drunk in Southie. While porch beers are a longstanding tradition, recent years have seen an increase in public drunkenness, violent assaults, and huge parties.
Authorities warned that this year they would crack down on out-of-control behavior during the festivities.
Police say 17 parade-goers were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and affray – The fighting together of two or more people in a public place to the terror of others…