Arlington cracks down on public drunkenness, profanity

Arlington County lawmakers are cracking down on foul-mouthed drunks.

Arlington County police made 664 arrests last year for drunken people cursing in public. The arrests are actually down, but police are upping efforts to get some bar patrons to cool it with overindulging and cursing.

"Whether we can get these individuals home safely or just get them to make correct decisions, that is our goal," said Dustin Sternbeck of Arlington County Police.

Over the weekend, the County Board passed an ordinance raising the penalty for public intoxication and profanity from $100 all the way up to $250.

The ordinance, which is in effect, cracks down on anyone "appearing intoxicated or profanely cursing."