In a Striking Sign of the Times, Police Cancel St. Patrick’s Day Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols

Pasadena police Lt. Max Dahlstein said Monday that special patrols usually mounted each March 17 to look for DUI drivers celebrating St. Patty’s Day, have been called off.

Bars have been ordered closed to prevent “community spread” of the coronavirus.

In a press release announcing the patrols just five days ago, Dahlstein said additional Pasadena officers from the Pasadena Police Department will be out on patrol

March 17, 2010, from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

He also advised residents that if they planned to host a party they should offer some nonalcoholic drinks, monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

Since his announcement, efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 have closed bars, forced the cancellation of St. Patrick’s Day-related events, and limited gatherings to no more than 50.