Call for alcohol-free zones in Cork on St Patrick’s Day

City officials have been asked to introduce designated alcohol-free zones across the city centre for Cork’s St Patrick’s Day festival.

Cllr John Buttimer (FG) has written to officials overseeing the event asking them to consider the move in a bid to encourage more families to attend.

He said while drinking in public is prohibited, the reality during the festival is that people drink alcohol openly on the streets, and that public drunkenness creates an intimidating atmosphere for festival-goers and visitors.