Quebec City gets tough on drinking at Fête nationale

The mayor of Quebec City is taking extraordinary measures to prevent binge drinking at this year’s Fête nationale. 

About two hundred thousand people descend onto Quebec City’s Plains of Abraham to celebrate St-Jean-Baptiste Day. A Leger marketing poll revealed that thirty eight percent of young adults go to St-Jean celebrations only to drink. Officials say that the Fête nationale has become a rite of passage for some adolescents.

In order to prevent binge drinking and vandalism, authorities have decided to ban partygoers from bringing their own alcohol. A new security perimeter will be enforced, along with extra security on the grounds.

Some believe that the mayor is going too far, noting that there haven’t been any major incidents in recent years. Last year’s Fête nationale saw two stabbings and twenty seven arrests linked to alcohol. Another three hundred people were treated for severe intoxication.