FAIRYTALE OF HOBOKEN: SantaCon Fills the Drunk Tank with 8 Arrests, 20 Hospitalized and Over 500 Calls to the Police

(Be advised, this article contains material from outside sources using language that is NSFW.)

“It’s SantaCon, babe, in the drunk tank.
Basic bro next to me, can’t wait for another one…”

Sincere apologies to Shane MacGowan and Kristy MacColl for the blasphemy, but if SantaCon teaches us anything, it’s that nothing is sacred.

And so it begins…#Hoboken #SantaCon https://t.co/I7HSmQWiiH

— hMAG (@hMAG) December 7, 2019

Yesterday’s “sleighshow” in Hoboken resulted in 8 arrests—down from 14 in 2018. Charges ranged from Aggravated Assault on an Officer to DWI to Possession of Controlled Substances. Not one arrestee was a Hoboken resident.

Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps reports that 20 individual were transported to area hospitals for issues stemming form intoxication. Hoboken Police responded to 521 call for service—nearly 100 more than 2018—handed out 49 ordinance summonses, and 49 moving violations. Expanded patrols and assistance from neighboring departments for the day is reportedly expected to cost around $75,000.

I want to thank every @HobokenPD Officer who worked yesterday and professionally kept the day under control and helped avoid any major incident where someone was severely injured, which is our ultimate goal on these Con event days

— Chief Ken Ferrante (@KenFerrante) December 8, 2019

There were 11 bars listed as participants for what Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla has called an “unsanctioned” event. Several other venues in town—including Leo’s Grandevous, Court Street, The Ale House, Northern Soul, Elysian Cafe and Antique Bar and Bakery—made it clear that they were not participating in what many see as a polarizing event within the hospitality community, and certainly Hoboken in general.

Just addressed @HobokenPD at roll call to express my gratitude for serving today & did a drive around the City to assess conditions. Thank you to @UnionCityPD & all the bars who did NOT participate in this event. Stay safe & big thank you to @KenFerrante + all first responders

— Ravinder S. Bhalla (@RaviBhalla) December 7, 2019

Ho, Ho, Ho, No, No, No.

We are not part of the con today. pic.twitter.com/pu4Woi3G3H

— The Ale House (@thealehouse1034) December 7, 2019

Of note are the comments from SantaCon NYC (held next week), who have also made an effort to put some distance between themselves and the Hoboken event. They even doubled-down with a follow-up tweet, obviously worried that the Hoboken event would besmirch the good name of the SantaCon brand (colorful language):

We do not condone how it is run nor any actions that may have put SantaCon Hoboken on the naughty list. Through communication & information sharing with the NYPD, SantaCon NYC remains in good standing with the City of NY & has every intention on staying on the nice list. pic.twitter.com/7x9m0YuedV

— Santacon NYC (@santacon) December 8, 2019

That last bit, about SantaCon’s charity mission, is a genuine bone of contention for Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante—who once again lit up his twitter feed with updates on the day’s shenanigans.

The organizers & participating bars set up a wristband (at a cost) system w/drink specials & try to publicize the event as a “charity” event, urging those coming to the city to bring toys for underpriviledged children. That’s a sham as I didn’t see 1 person in 20 hrs with a gift.

— Chief Ken Ferrante (@KenFerrante) December 8, 2019

Meanwhile area retailers have voiced their concerns about lost revenue during a vital holiday stretch, as shoppers are to leery to venture out. As for Hoboken residents, year after year they spout their indignation SantaCon, as Hoboken’s streets are typically clogged with overserved, underdressed inebriates, waiting in lines in the cold to get into bars that are intensely scrutinized by Hoboken’s Finest.

This year, organizers claimed that videographers will be all around town throughout the event filming for “the televised documentary” covering the 25th annual SantaCon. We’ll look forward to that footage becoming part of our region’s traditional Christmas canon…

“The boys of the Hoboken PD choir
Still singing ‘Go Away’
And the sirens ringing out
For Christmas day…”

UPDATE:
HBO’S John Oliver piles it on. Does he mention Hoboken?
Oh yes… yes he does (NSFW)

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