Drinking in party buses outside parades OK in Terrebonne Parish

HOUMA, LA (WVUE) - A complaint about party buses and drinking during Mardi Gras in Terrebonne Parish drew a big crowd to Monday night's council meeting.

Dozens of people, mostly krewe members and law enforcement, showed up to talk about the issue.

Houma resident Yvonne Johnson did not attend the meeting, but had complained about krewe members drinking and riding around on open buses with open containers before and after their Mardi Gras parades.

As a result of that complaint, Councilwoman Christa Duplantis-Prather added the discussion to the meeting agenda.

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Jerry Larpenter told the council there are no laws that prohibit Mardi Gras krewes from riding party buses as long as the drivers are properly licensed and sober. He says he's never had a problem with the buses and says they're a good way to get riders to and from the staging area.

Larpenter and others told the council that concerns should be put to rest.

"It's unfortunate, Mardi Gras can't please everyone. Those who don't like it leave town and go on vacation sometimes if they can afford it," Larpenter said. "Those who can't just need to stay home, get some good movies or go to a movie. And don't take it out on those who are trying to enjoy it."

Larpenter acknowledged there may be issues to address in the future involving people throwing things from the buses.

That issue was not addressed tonight.

Duplantis-Prather, who is a proponent of Mardi Gras, says all it takes is one complaint from a constituent for her to bring up an issue, especially if it involves public safety.

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