SAINT ALBANS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Saint Albans Police Department has announced that it will no longer approve permits for pub crawls following multiple fights, arrests, and law enforcement responses associated with the events.
In a letter dated October 26, 2026, Saint Albans Police Chief P.A. Bass informed city council members of the decision, citing public safety concerns following recent events at Olde Main Plaza.
According to Bass, the city has hosted pub crawls for several years, with the two largest events taking place around St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween.
During a pub crawl on March 28, a fight broke out inside Shucker’s restaurant, resulting in patrons being removed from the establishment. The fight continued in a rear parking lot.
Later that evening, another fight occurred inside Drummy’s bar, where several patrons were ejected. Police also responded to a separate fight at the El Dorado Club involving participants from the pub crawl.
Another pub crawl held October 24 resulted in an even larger law enforcement response.
According to Bass, officers responded to a large fight at the El Dorado Club immediately following the event. Several people involved had attended the pub crawl.
Seven people were arrested, and officers were required to use force during the incident.
Five additional law enforcement agencies responded, including police departments from Nitro, South Charleston, and Charleston, along with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and West Virginia State Police.
Bass said Kanawha County emergency medical personnel were tied up for hours responding to the incident.
The Nitro Police Department arrested two individuals, which occupied the department’s entire shift.
Saint Albans police also called in additional officers, ultimately paying nine officers despite only three being assigned to the shift.
Bass said the events require permits signed by both the police chief and mayor. After speaking with Mayor Scott James, the decision was made to stop approving permits for future pub crawls.
The police chief said the events are primarily designed for alcohol consumption and that the decision will not affect other events currently hosted in the city.
“When I was appointed Chief of Police, I was entrusted with maintaining order, safety, and the well-being of the citizens, visitors, and employees of the City of Saint Albans. I will not sacrifice these things for a fundraiser,” Bass wrote.
The decision comes after multiple incidents requiring significant police resources during the city’s largest pub crawl events.
