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Put it in a Cup!

Yes, you can take a drink to-go. Just make sure it's not a bottle or can, otherwise you'll get busted.

Last year, St. Patrick's Day meant a visit with Savannah-Chatham's finest for 177 folks.

The most common charges for the entire weekend of festivities were disorderly conduct, urinating in public and underage drinking.

Savannah-Chatham Metro Police say the most unique charge of the 2009 festival goes to the man who was arrested and charged with the City Ordinance “Swimming Prohibited in Certain Areas.” Police say he took a dip in the Savannah River just after 11:00 p.m. one night.

Some officers say they've seen this before. “I’ve seen people fall in the river on River Street. They’ve gotten a little too intoxicated and tried to urinate in the river and fell in the river, and we had to go rescue them,“ says A.P.O Michael Rodgers. Last year was his fifth year working the St. Patrick’s Day Festival.

Whether you're a visitor or a local, the City of Savannah has some important laws and rules you need to know about so you don't end up paying a fine, or worse, end up in jail!

DO'S AND DON'TS OF ST. PAT'S

  • DO keep alcohol in paper, plastic, or styrofoam cups. Glass bottles are prohibited on the street.
  • DO only carry one drink at a time and limit it to 16 ounces in size.
  • DON'T drink alcohol in a parked vehicle.
  • DON'T bring alcohol into the gated area on River Street.
  • DON'T drink alcohol or have it in your hand without a wristband in the festival area.
  • DON'T think about exposing yourself or urinating in public.

Police say any of the crimes above come with a maximum punishment of a $500 fine or 30 days in jail.

More laws and rules to keep in mind:

  • NO coolers, NO animals, NO weapons
  • Concealed weapons are NOT allowed in the festival area, even with a permit.
  • You MUST have a wristband to drink alcohol in the festival area.
  • Each person is only allowed ONE drink at a time.
  • No one will be allowed to camp out in the squares overnight. They will be off limits to everyone until 6 a.m. on the day of the parade.

If you’ve had too much to drink, you can get a free ride home using AAA Tow-To-Go service. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP and you'll get a free tow for your car, and a free ride home.

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