Police Warn of Pride Parade Crackdown on Public Drinking, Rooftop Parties

Sunday's parade kicks off at noon in Uptown and winds south through the Boystown neighborhood before ending at Lincoln Park

To the thousands of people who will congregate in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood this Sunday for the 45th annual gay pride parade, police have warnings: Don't drink alcohol in public. Don't party on rooftops or overload balconies. And don't throw stuff to the street below.

The missives come from Elias Voulgaris, the commander of the 19th police district, and could have violators facing big fines. Drinking booze on the sidewalk, the street or in an alley or park brings a fine or $1,000, Voulgaris warned.

And gathering on a roof that's not designated for parties or occupants could bring a violation, too.

"This will be strictly enforced," reads the message on fliers seen around the north side neighborhood. "Management of buildings with rooftops, balconies and porches are to ensure compliance."

Sunday's four-mile parade, with 205 entries, begins at noon at North Broadway and West Montrose Avenue and snakes down Broadway, North Halsted Street, West Belmont Avenue and West Diversey Parkway before ending at Lincoln Park.

Chicago police last year said more than one million people attended the 2013 parade.

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