The St. Patrick's Day Parade is an Albany tradition. It was overshadowed last year by a pre-parade melee uptown.
"We want the kids to work with us. We are not going to tolerate that behavior and if it happens we won't let it go as far as it did last year," said Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.
This year is a new start with a new parade route. Instead of ending on North Pearl Street like it has in the past, the Mayor says it will end on State Street. Mayor Jennings says it is an effort to improve the flow of the parade and show off a new Irish museum and more of the city.
"It was basically so people could see all of downtown," said Jennings.
Mayor Jennings admits it is also a move to reinforce that this is a family event.
"I've had a lot of families say I can't even walk on Pearl Street because it's so crowded and sometimes there is some behavior that's not appreciated," he said.
"It's not just drinking. We did a lot of food that day," said Chris Pratt, the co-owner of Pearl Street Pub. "That will be hard to replace."
Pratt says that St. Patrick's Day is one of their biggest days. He is afraid the move will threaten his business because people won't be camping outside before the parade.
"My fear is not that people won't still come down here, I believe they will, my fear is we won't get that lingering crowd," said Pratt.
He says he has spoken to other bar owners who feel the same way, some who have or plan to contact the city about their concerns.
The Mayor tells us FOX23 News he doesn't think the change will be bad for business.
"They should tell the story of what they have to offer that day so people will come. This will have a minimal impact," said Mayor Jennings.
Pratt says he is hopeful a solution can be reached. He suggested the city allow the bars to get a permit to hold an after parade party with bands and entertainment.
