Students are gearing up for another St. Patrick’s Day, with the AMS working to keep celebrations safe and fines at bay.
From March 14 to 18, the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) is back in effect, allowing the City of Kingston to issue increased fines for nuisance parties and noise violations. With party-goers expected to flock to the streets on March 15 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the AMS is building on past efforts to minimize hospital visits and fines.
This year, student celebrations had to adapt, as Aberdeen St. was closed for construction during Homecoming and remains partially shut down at its Johnson St. intersection due to ongoing work.
READ MORE: Queen’s Homecoming’s iconic party street closed temporarily
AMS Vice-President (University Affairs) Ruth Osunde told The Journal the goal for the celebration is to prioritize students’ safety and enjoyment over strict abstinence.
“We know [students are] going to drink but when we think about harm reduction, the key is, how can we let you do that while you’re safe? That’s the biggest thing,” Osunde said.
Kingston’s Police Liaison Team will be on campus on March 13 and 14 at the Queen’s Centre to answer any questions students have about the UDSI. Osunde said the team’s role is to educate, not fine, students on potential weekend penalties. Under the UDSI, students can be fined for noise bylaw offences, failure to leave premises, and even face a $2,000 fine for hosting, conducting, or sponsoring a nuisance party.
While Osunde understands why students may be apprehensive of police officers on campus, she encourages them to learn their rights through the AMS’s Social Issues Commission’s “Know Your Rights” campaign, which educates students on their rights during this time and helps them understand the bylaws.
Osunde hopes that by staying informed, students can make safer and more informed decisions during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
In a statement to The Journal, Devin Clancy, Comm ’27, said he finds going out on St. Patrick’s Day not worth the hassle, citing longer lines at bars and Aberdeen’s closure.
“Street and house parties are likely to be smaller or less frequent due to concerns over hefty fines and increased enforcement,” Clancy said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if people start to resort to smaller get togethers to negate fines.”
The UDSI typically takes place during Orientation Week, Homecoming, and St. Patrick’s Day weekends.
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