Revelers, police out in full force on St. Patrick's Day
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The beautiful weather combined with St. Patrick's meant bars and restaurants all over the Triangle were packed Tuesday. Not only are more people out, but police are as well.
Plenty of people have out getting in the spirit and having a few spirits.
"It's a great chance to be out in Raleigh," said Raleigh resident Julian Prosser.
"Great weather, great beer, good people, fun times, how can you beat it," said Raleigh resident Steven Ward.
Irish Pubs, like The Hibernian on Glenwood South, have been busy throughout the day.
"They're going to be coming out. We're going to get a lot of phone calls and emails and texts. So were looking forward to seeing everyone down here tonight," said Hibernian Director of Marketing Frank Bloom.
Law enforcement stepped up patrols for the holiday. Highway Patrol launched its St. Patty's Day Booze It and Lose It campaign.
According to state statistics, Wake County had the highest numbers of DWIs in the state on St. Patty's Day last year.
"Think before you go out," said NCDOT spokesperson Steve Abbott. "If you are going to partake in alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver or take a taxi or something. Obviously don't drink and drive at all."
