Boston Mayor Decides Against Alcohol Ban October 26, 2004
News Summary
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has decided not to implement an alcohol ban during the World Series games between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals. Instead, there will be a greater police presence at Boston neighborhood bars, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Oct. 23.Menino was considering an alcohol ban after an Emerson College student died during a fan celebration after the Red Sox won the American League pennant. Police Commissioner Kathleen O'Toole said that Victoria Snelgrove was killed from a pepper-spray-filled projectile that police used to control an estimated 80,000 fans who rushed into the area around Fenway Park after the Red Sox victory in Yankee Stadium.
After meeting with restaurant and bar owners in the Fenway area, Menino decided not to use a state law that allows him to ban the sale of alcohol "in cases of riot or great public excitement." Instead, restaurant and bar owners have agreed to limit the number of people lining up to get into their establishments.
In addition, live coverage of the scene inside bars will be prohibited, to prevent patrons from getting rowdy when the camera is on them.
O'Toole said the police are also considering discontinuing the use of the pepper-spray-filled projectiles.
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