Menino said the city is considering "drastic measures" after disorder following the Boston Red Sox American League pennant victory led to several injuries and the death of a young Emerson College woman.

A state law that has never been used before in Boston allows Menino to prohibit the sale or distribution of alcohol "in cases of riot or great public excitement."

The hospitality industry is expected to resist, especially if alcohol sales are allowed in Fenway Park. "If you shut down the bars, the problem will get worse," said Alan Eisner, executive director of the Massachusetts Hospitality Association. "At least in a licensed premise you have supervision."

Peter Christie, president of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, added, "There are 33,500 people in the park, and alcohol might not be banned, but it's banned outside? That doesn't make a lot of sense. Barring drinking in a controlled environment would be like throwing kerosene on smoking coals. It may force people who want to drink to go someplace else."

Menino is also urging college and university officials to expel any student who is a participant in street disturbances.

"Since people won't act responsibly, I, as mayor, will take it into my own hands," Menino said. "The kids out there, they're adults. They have a responsibility to make sure this goes off well."

Menino has dismissed proposals from city councilors to bring in more police or the National Guard for the World Series, or to set curfews.

Red Sox ownership has already arranged to add more private police details during the World Series games being played at Fenway Park. In addition, Red Sox players will appear in public service ads urging fans to exercise calm during the games.

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