New Orleans Police Chief Shaun Ferguson says his officers stand ready and prepared to enforce the city’s ban on large gatherings and alcohol sales through the Mardi Gras weekend.
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“Beginning today, and throughout this weekend you will see an enhanced police presence by the New Orleans Police Department,” Chief Ferguson said at a press conference Friday. “We will be out, we will be engaged and we will be dispersing large crowds.”
Ferguson says next weekend and through Ash Wednesday his officers along with Louisiana State Police will be barricading streets similar to their coverage of the Sugar Bowl and News Year's Eve telecast.
“Decatur Street will be closed from Tulane to Toulouse,” said Ferguson. “Bourbon Street will have limited access, we will have officers at every intersection along Bourbon Street to ensure that we are only allowing residents restaurant and shop patrons and hotel guest within those blocks...there will be absolutely no loitering allowed throughout that weekend.”
The same restrictions apply to the popular Mardi Gras hangouts in the 500 to 600 blocks of Frenchman Street, and the Claiborne underpass.
“The Claiborne corridor will be fenced off from St. Louis to St.
Bernard Avenue. We will be out there in full effect to address anyone wanting to engage in any type of large gatherings,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson says NOPD officers and Orleans Parish Sheriff’s deputies will also be on horseback patrolling the French Quarter ready to disperse any large crowds.