Celebrate the New Year Safely

DUI patrols increased for weekend and holiday

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By Megan Edge

Story Created: Dec 29, 2012 at 10:17 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 29, 2012 at 10:17 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - The last Friday of the year means it’s the final weekend of 2012. That means Monday is New Year’s eve. Bar owners expect their establishments will be packed and most have a plan in place to keep everyone safe.

According to the Anchorage Police Department, everyone needs to make “smart choices.” That means keep dangerous items like knives and guns at home, but they said one of the most dangerous weapons on nights like New Year's is your car.

Everyone agrees that a new year is a reason to celebrate.

“We see a really large influx of locals because we have Fire and Ice across the street at Town Square,” said Humpy’s General Manager Shawn Standley. “We get a lot of business that night.”

Standley said big business means big crowds, and that means heavy security to make sure 2013 is rung in safely.

“We have very experienced security staff, and some of the best trained servers and bartenders in town,” said Standley. “So we are very proactive in terms of working with customers to make sure people don’t over-consume and drink responsibly.”

Most importantly he said, is putting your keys away and finding a ride.

“Plan ahead. Designated drivers, we really encourage that,” said Standley. “Please take advantage of the cab system. Do remember they get over loaded around closing time, so plan accordingly. If you are trying to get a cab around 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning its going to get really challenging.”

Whatever you do, don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking, said APD.

“It will cost $25,000 or so for your first DWI and there is no cab ride in the world that is going to cost more than $25,000,” said Lieutenant Dave Parker.

Police will be amping up their patrols as the clock ticks closer to midnight.

“Be reasonable about your intake of alcohol [and] the people you're partying with. Those kinds of things really count for something,” said Parker.

And it could mean the difference between ringing in the New Year at a bar or behind bars.

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