Glass ban takes effect in Chico

CHICO, Calif. — St. Patrick's Day is on Saturday and the Chico City Council has a plan to help keep the peace.

To combat the problems Chico has had with drinking-related violence, the city has banned glass containers of any kind from all streets and sidewalks within the boundaries of Flume Street, Big Chico Creek, Cedar Street, and West 7th Street.

Not many people who were downtown on Friday morning knew about the ban, but one Chico State student said it can be annoying.

"I think it's a little annoying for people," said Riley Kaeding, sophomore at Chico State. "Because most everything you drink is going to come in glass, whether it's beer or alcohol. But I do understand the problems behind it, and it's been a problem in the past."

Those familiar with Chico's history understand the need for the glass ban, which was fully implemented back in 2000.

Chico City Manager Mark Orme explained the reasoning behind the ban.

"Now we have the opportunity during these particular holidays to be able to ban it in certain areas so that some of the frivolity that takes place doesn't lend itself to allowing individuals to throw bottles, break bottles, and make a mess, really, in the city," Orme said.

Chico police say that breaking the no glass rule doesn't usually result in arrest, but violators could be ticketed.

City officials and law enforcement encourage all St. Patrick's Day participants to limit their drinking to the inside of bars.

The glass ban went into effect on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and will continue until 6:00 p.m. Sunday night.