Quebec’s Fete Nationale is a few weeks away – and for many young people, that means lots of drinking.
Every year on June 23, thousands gather in Quebec City to celebrate on the Plains of Abraham.
Many young people are plastered.
“Why is it a drunk fest? I think it’s undignified,” said Denis Pelletier, owner of the Complexe Maurice bar.
Last year’s festivities were marred by two stabbings, dozens of arrests and over 300 hospitalizations for alcohol poisoning.
It’s prompted the organization Educ’alcool to start a new campaign- linking drinking behaviour to Quebec’s pride.
The goal is to encourage people to tone it down on the Fete Nationale.
For the non-profit group, the only things that should be plastered that day are Educ’alcool posters – which will be placed around the city until the big day.
“There are about 10,000-20,000 people. Half of them do not come from Quebec City…and the reason why they go there is to drink too much and to create trouble,” said Educ’alcool’s Hubert Sacy.
For city officials, it’s a question of dignity and safety.
“We have to have a plan to make the place more secure for everyone,” said Quebec City spokesperson Francois Moisan.
The city will unveil its plan next week – one that will most likely include a stronger police presence and less tolerance for those drinking in the streets.
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