HOBOKEN — According to city officials, last Saturday’s annual St. Patrick’s-themed bar crawl, sometimes known as LepreCon, was considerably more mild than in years passed.
“In my 25 years of policing in Hoboken, this was the calmest I have ever seen the first Saturday of March,” said Police Chief Ken Ferrante. “I am glad that no officers were injured during the event, and I thank Mayor Bhalla for supporting our officers and taking steps to ensure everyone’s safety. I further want to thank all of our Hoboken PD officers who admirably handled the long day and long hours, and I want them to know how proud I am of how they have handled the challenges of the past few months and this past weekend.”
According to a press release from the city, arrests during LepreCon decreased by 64 percent (from 11 to 4) since last year’s event, ambulance calls decreased by 18 percent (from 28 to 23), and calls for service decreased by 21 percent (from 488 to 386). City ordinance summons increased from 31 to 37.
There were 3 tavern reports on Saturday, compared to 24 during SantaCon in December 2017. New Jersey and Hoboken ABC Inspectors reported no violations in any of the bars that were inspected, and the Hoboken Fire Department reported 100 percent compliance with code inspections.
“After receiving a final report from Police Chief Ferrante and based on my observations during the day, I am pleased that there was a clear improvement in the quality of life and safety throughout the city,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “I thank the bar owners and hospitality industry for working to make this a dramatically safer event and look forward to a collaborative relationship moving forward.” He also thanked numerous other entities who helped out.
For more on the issue, see the full story in this weekend’s Hoboken Reporter. Got comments? Email Marilynb@hudsonreporter.com and editorial@hudsonreporter.com
