This is the second year the Irish pub de Vere’s has held its St. Patrick’s Day celebration, closing down L Street between 15th and 16th. Police say last year’s event went off without a major hitch.
“The main issues that we had were complaints from state workers not being able to walk on that street.”
“The main issues that we had were complaints from state workers not being able to walk on that street.”
Sgt. Norm Leong with the Sacramento Police Department says this year they’ll let pedestrians through. He says 15 officers will be working the event…but not at a cost to the taxpayers.
“de Vere’s contracts out for all the security and traffic control so it does not cost the city anything. We anticipate that we have enough officers.”
Simon de Vere White, the pub’s co-owner, says they’re also hiring 45 security workers. So just how much is it costing de Vere’s to put this event on?
“It costs a lot of money. I don’t want to give you a figure. But it’s a very expensive event. Our feeling is it was good for the city last year and it’s good publicity for us.”
More than 6,000 people showed up last year. de Vere White says they expect an additional 1,500 this year...even though more people are out of work and the economy still hasn’t recovered.
“That is a gamble and definitely is a concern. We anticipate that the numbers will still be there. My brother and I have been working for the last 4 and a half months on this. So it’s crunch time.”
L Street will be closed before dawn on Wednesday morning and re-opened at 2 AM on Thursday.
“de Vere’s contracts out for all the security and traffic control so it does not cost the city anything. We anticipate that we have enough officers.”
Simon de Vere White, the pub’s co-owner, says they’re also hiring 45 security workers. So just how much is it costing de Vere’s to put this event on?
“It costs a lot of money. I don’t want to give you a figure. But it’s a very expensive event. Our feeling is it was good for the city last year and it’s good publicity for us.”
More than 6,000 people showed up last year. de Vere White says they expect an additional 1,500 this year...even though more people are out of work and the economy still hasn’t recovered.
“That is a gamble and definitely is a concern. We anticipate that the numbers will still be there. My brother and I have been working for the last 4 and a half months on this. So it’s crunch time.”
L Street will be closed before dawn on Wednesday morning and re-opened at 2 AM on Thursday.