BINGHAMTON – The City of Binghamton Tuesday announced preparations for this Thursday’s Bar Crawl, an annual event held by Binghamton University students. The City has coordinated its plans through the Campus/Community Coalition, a group that includes City officials, BU’s Off Campus College, students, local tavern owners, and residents.

During the Crawl, law enforcement officers will be present along the route, which travels from Main Street to downtown Binghamton, and open container restrictions will be strictly enforced. Signs regarding the restrictions will be placed in each of the participating pubs. Prior to leaving each pub, Crawl-goers will be required to empty any containers in their possession.

As is regular practice on Thursday nights, Binghamton Police officers will block off State Street at 9 p.m.; they may do so earlier for the Crawl, depending on crowd levels. Police officers will also ensure Crawl-goers stay at a safe distance from the Ross Building demolition site.

Extra garbage cans will be set along the route during the Crawl, and a City street sweeper will sweep the area afterwards.

“Community safety is a top priority,” said Mayor Matt Ryan. “We expect everyone to obey the law and behave responsibly.”

The CCC was started seven years ago, and strives to facilitate positive collaboration between the university and city communities. The group meets in City Council Chambers on the second Monday of the month during BU’s fall and spring semesters.