Extra patrols planned for this St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year. The Irish Pub Flanagan’s in Carmel will celebrate the holiday with their sixth annual party.

“The pub is open all day, no cover, full menu. Then we also got in the parking lot our big tent. 2400 square foot tent. With live music, a full buffet,” said Opitz.

And of course alcohol, lots of it.

“Jameson is pretty popular, we got 20 cases of it waiting to be drank. And Guinness, it’s the Irish beer that everyone drinks on St. Patrick’s Day,” said Opitz.

According to the National Retail Federation more than 125 million Americans will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, however when you head out for a night of drinking just know you’re not alone.

“We are going to have extra dui patrols out throughout Monterey and San Benito Counties,” said Salinas Police Sergeant Gerry Ross.

Through a state funded grant officers will work overtime as they keep an eye out for drunk drivers.

“It’s a depressant it will cause people to slow down, so there reaction time is slower. We encourage the public to always call us when they see someone they suspect to be driving under the influence because they could really save a life,” said Salinas Officer Richard Lopez.

According to Salinas Police Department you should plan ahead if you’re going out to the bar.

“Take a taxi to the bar so you can’t drive home. Have a friend with you that’s going to be sober, just make a plan to get home safely,” said Ross.