State Patty’s Day always leads to increased partying and drinking in State College. The pandemic makes concerns higher over gatherings in State College.
State College Mayor Ronald Filippelli said bars will see few changes since there are already COVID-19 restrictions in place.
Filippelli believes apartments and rental houses will pose the greatest threat this weekend with a chance for large gatherings.
“I'm hoping there's peer pressure that will be put on by students who also live in those apartment complexes. They're being endangered and they will report," Filippelli said.
University Park and borough police will patrol campus and downtown areas for violations of both liquor laws and COVID-related ordinances surrounding mask wearing and social distancing.
For bars and restaurants, lines forming outside may be the biggest issue.
The borough’s COVID-ordinance restricts lines in the public right of way to 10 people.
Filippelli hopes the limited talk on social media about the celebration predicts a quieter weekend than in years past.
“There's nothing good to be said about State Patty’s Day, even under normal circumstances," Filippelli said.
The fine for failing to mask or hosting a gathering that exceeds 10 people indoors is $300.
Students who are caught violating COVID restrictions will be referred to Penn State's Office of Student Conduct.
