Multiple alcohol-related arrests made in Chico on St. Patrick's Day

CHICO, Calif. — St. Patrick’s Day in Chico has a long-standing history of being an opportunity for locals and college students alike to enjoy the holiday. Unfortunately, sometimes the St. Patrick’s Day celebration can lead to excessive alcohol consumption.

During the last few years, St. Patrick’s Day has fallen during Chico State Universities' scheduled Spring Break. According to Chico Police, this timing has reduced the activity that surrounds St. Patrick’s Day. This is due in part to most of the student body being out of town for the break. Spring Break, combined with a reduced student population, results in a significant decline in the number of house parties in the south campus and west side areas, according to police.

Despite this schedule helping officials during the holiday, activity was still reported. According to Chico Police, the main activity that occurred during the afternoon, evening and night hours revolved around downtown bars and restaurants. Though still manageable, officials said the Chico Police Department had a notable increase in calls for service compared to the prior weekend. Regular patrol staffing was increased with a special team assigned to address specific holiday-related activity in Chico’s downtown area and west side.

In total, during the hours of 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, Chico Police released the following tabulated statistics:

• DUI arrests: 5
• Public Intoxication: 4
• Other: 4
• Total Alcohol related citations: 0
• Total calls for service: 240

Police also said alcohol-related citations are typically associated with house parties in the south campus and west side areas of Chico (Open Container, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, etc.). However, the absence of house parties this year had an obvious impact on the number of such violations with only one alcohol-related citation. According to the police department, previous years would see as many as 40 such citations during the same time period.