Police and partner agencies attended reports of gatherings into the early hours of Thursday in Northern Ireland.
Officials seized multiple items of alcohol from young people and people drinking in public spaces over St Patrick’s Day, while a total of 135 enforcement notices were handed out.
Almost 50 £200 (€233.72) fines were issued in the Holyland area of south Belfast where several house parties were held.
Botanic Gardens was closed on Wednesday afternoon after hundreds gathered there, despite tight restrictions on public gatherings under Covid-19 regulations.
PSNI assistant chief constable, Alan Todd, said the vast majority of people abided by the public health rules.
“Whilst we did note large numbers in some parks and beauty spots, officers implemented our four Es strategy – Engage, Explain, Encourage, and lastly Enforce, and encouraged people to return home where necessary, including a number of groups in Botanic Gardens in Belfast,” he said.
“In the Holyland area of south Belfast, up to just after 2am this morning, officers attended nine residential properties, issuing 47 Covid 4 notices (£200 fines) and eight Covid 2 notices.
“Two other people will be reported to the public prosecution service.
“Also in south Belfast, just after 2.30am this morning, a vehicle which was being driven erratically, failed to stop for police.
“The vehicle was pursued by specialist officers to the M1 motorway, where they called off the pursuit and liaised with officers in Lisburn and Castlereagh.”
“Officers deployed a stinger device at Sprucefield, which helped to bring the car to a controlled stop,” he said.
“While the four occupants made off from the vehicle, they were located a short distance away and were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences.
“They remain in custody and our enquiries are ongoing.
“At various locations across Northern Ireland, police and partner agencies attended reports of groups of people gathering up, incidents of anti-social behaviour and have seized multiple items of alcohol from young people and people drinking in public spaces.”
Mr Todd said the PSNI’s preliminary figures indicated that a total of 135 enforcement notices were issued across Northern Ireland into the early hours of Thursday. This figure included fines and warning notices.
