U of I chancellor wants annual day of drinking shut down

CHAMPAIGN -- University of Illinois Chancellor Richard Herman wants Champaign to shut down an annual day of student drinking known as Unofficial St. Patrick's Day.

The day, which this year will be Friday, was created by local bars to make up for money lost when St. Patrick's Day falls during spring break.

It traditionally includes daylong drinking. Students come from across Illinois and beyond. Last year, Champaign police handed out 149 alcohol-related citations.

Herman says the city should crack down on bars that are part of the day.

Mayor Jerry Schweighart says the city already restricts some alcohol sales near campus. But he says the city can't close bars for the day.