Irish bars take precautions for holiday

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Irish bars in Albuquerque have taken extra precautions to cut down on potential problems related to alcohol on St. Patrick's Day.

While local authorities have special patrols and checkpoints out Wednesday night, the bars are adding additional measures to ensure safety.

"We have absolute coverage of driver's licenses," O'Niell's Bar Manager Robert Munro said. "We are talking to people so when they come through the door; we know they're not already intoxicated."

O'Niell's bouncers are placing wristbands on customers to ensure there are no underage drinkers.

At Two Fools Tavern, bouncers are also using wristbands to designate customers who have been checked for legal drinking age.

Wristbands also allow bartenders to track the number of drinks served to each customer.

Customers are limited to five drinks.

"We have a drink limit today," Two Fools Bar Manager Russell Reid said. "We want to keep it real safe for everybody and be responsible."

Customers who News 13 spoke with from each bar agree.

"I think the bracelets are a good idea because it limits the amount a person can drink," Patrick Coulie said.

"It's not going to cut down on drinking and driving as much as some people would like, but at least they're trying to make the effort to enforce that fact." Sam Fischer said.