Police increasing Revere Beach patrols with large crowds expected this weekend
REVERE - One day before the heat hits on Revere Beach the signs were already going up that there will be no parking on the boulevard starting at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and lasting through 5:00 a.m. Sunday.
Pizza shop owner Bobby Bianchi is a little wary of the restrictions. "Being a business owner I'm not happy with the parking ban, and if they close the beach at a certain time I do the majority of my business after dinner," said Bianchi.
State police will also be closing the beach an hour after dusk which is just after 8:30 p.m. Saturday night when the temperature will still be toasty. "I think it's going to be tough," said Revere resident Carl Abruzese. "Especially with the hot weather people want to be out and about."
It's the crackdown police are imposing along the beach after a brawl broke out last Saturday, like a fight club that had police swarming the area to get it under control. Five people were arrested, and one was hospitalized.
For longtime residents it was more than a disruption. "It would absolutely keep me away," said Mike DeMonte. "Especially after 6:00 or 7:00 it wouldn't make sense."
That's a concern for businesses according to Mary Ryan who works at the Sand Box. She sees both sides, the need for safety and the need for customers. "I'm not so much worried but apprehensive for people who come down here as a family unit and want to spend the day on the beach or have a nice place to eat lunch," Ryan said.
Police are posting electronic signs about acting responsibly, but Robin Blake at Bill Ash's Lounge believes the images of the fight last weekend are already keeping away. "On a day like today you wouldn't be able to find a parking space but already people aren't coming down," Blake said.
Police are warning there is no alcohol or marijuana, and no loud music or activities that could disrupt other people. They also say bags that are brought to the beach could be searched.
