London police issued nearly 50 tickets and more than 200 warnings during a relatively tame St. Patrick's Day in the city.
Countless green-clad revellers took to the streets downtown and in student neighbourhoods around Western University and Fanshawe College to celebrate the Irish holiday on Saturday. In anticipation of the crowds, police stepped up patrols and partnered with firefighters, bylaw officers, paramedics, and Alcohol and Gaming Commission inspectors.
Three people were arrested for criminal code violations, 49 tickets were issued -- mainly for Liquor License Act offences, and two bylaw charges were laid for public nuisances. Another 214 people were given warnings throughout the day, police said Monday.
“We did have to shut down a few large parties that were threatening to spill into the streets,” said Sgt. Dave Ellyatt. “It was a busy day but overall there were no major issues.”
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission inspected 21 bars and restaurants, noting several infractions that continue to be investigated.
The London Fire Department removed a tent under an immediate threat to life provision under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. Fire officials also issued numerous warnings for smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm infractions.
This was the first St. Patrick's Day to fall on a Saturday in six years. It was in 2012 when celebrations at a house party on Fleming Dr. turned into a riot that saw drunk partiers hurl objects at police and set a TV news truck on fire.