Thursday, 4:30 PM
Tight security promised on New Year's Eve
By Matt Viser, Globe Staff
Boston officials today detailed plans for the city's New Year's Eve celebration, promising zero tolerance for public drinking, heavy police patrols, and a team of fire inspectors to prevent overcrowding in the city’s nightclubs.
Emergency medical staff will be spread throughout the city on Sunday night, and police will be on increased patrol in the neighborhoods, arresting all drunk drivers, and responding to noise complaints.
"Officials in all of our districts will be on the lookout for loud party complaints and disorderly behavior in our neighborhoods," said Police Commissioner Edward Davis, who added that there are no known terrorism threats to the city.
Most of the heightened security is centered around First Night Boston, a $1.4 million downtown celebration that includes five ice sculptures, two fireworks displays, and 200 artistic performances and exhibits. Event organizers are expecting 1 million people to attend the celebration, which has been held every year since 1976.
"There's no better place to ring in the New Year than right here in Boston," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "This is really a special time."
Parking will be restricted around Copley Square, Boston Common, and City Hall Plaza, and city officials are urging people to leave their cars at home and use public transportation. The MBTA will be running additional trains until 2 a.m., and all rides after 8 p.m. are free.
