Local pubs packed for St. Patrick’s Day
It’s a sea of green at Flanagan’s Pub in Carmel. From crazy hats to bright green wigs, this is one crowd that knows how to party.
“Everybody is Irish on St. Patricks Day,” said Flanagan’s owner Joe Opitz.
Opitz said St. Patrick’s Day is the busiest day of the year and his staff is prepared.
“We started by ordering over 400 pounds of raw corned beef. I’ve got stacks and stacks of Guinness. Probably upwards of fifteen to twenty kegs,” said Opitz.
But while St. Patrick’s Day is a time to party, the California Highway Patrol wants to make sure everyone is celebrating safely.
“If you know you are going to be drinking, do not drive,” said Officer James Burch with the CHP.
Burch said there’s just no excuse to get behind the wheel drunk.
“There’s friends, there’s taxis, there’s Uber. There’s no reason to be drinking and driving. Nobody benefits when drinking and driving,” said Burch.
And if you are the sober driver, Opitz said his bartenders have your back.
“Of course if anybody says I’m the DD we make sure they get free sodas,” said Opitz.