How to get a ride home this busy St. Patrick's Day

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee area bar owners are expecting big St. Patrick’s Day crowds this year as the holiday falls on a Saturday, which is also why law enforcement is warning drivers to plan ahead and find a ride home.

Milwaukee’s Brady Street strip will be embracing the Irish spirit with specials and decorations.

“It's going to be crazy. We're opening right at 8 a.m. and we're expecting it to be busy all day long,” Bartender at Jacks American Pub, Ryan Goebel said.

Jack's American Pub is opening two hours earlier than normal. Next door at Malone's on Brady, they're doubling up staff in order to handle the crowds.

“Wall-to-wall capacity,” Owner Josh Malone said. “Will be lines at most of the places probably after 3 or 4 p.m.”

While many will be enjoying the festivities, Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers will be out on the roads looking for drunk drivers.

“We're actively looking for impaired drivers, knowing that they're going to be out there,” Trooper Matt Knight said.

Trooper Knight is warning those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day to find another way to get home.

“Saturday night there's always more drivers on the roads,” Trooper Knight said. “If you're feeling impaired, definitely don't take the chance.”

The Milwaukee County Tavern League has a safe ride program for at least 75 bars in the area.

It's simple: You go to a tavern league bar, fill out a voucher from your bartender and get a free ride home.

“We don't want you to get a ticket, we don't want you to get hurt and we want you to party and have a great time. Spend time in our bar, but get home safe,” President of the Milwaukee County Tavern League Lorie Helm said.

Bartenders like Goebel will be helping everyone celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and have fun all while hoping they get home safely.

“It's going to be great, with all the bars here, it's gonna be like Brady Street Festival all over again,” Goebel said.

Miller Lite is teaming up with the Milwaukee County Transit System to offer Miller Lite Free Rides on St. Patrick’s Day. The free rides are available on all MCTS bus routes on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. and running through the end of regular service.

AAA is also offering rides through their “Tow to Go” program. The program will be available Friday through Sunday at 6 a.m. By calling (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246 you can get a confidential local ride to a safe location within 10 miles. The AAA tow truck will take you and your car home. This service is available for AAA members and non-members.


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