As congressional administrators prepare to host the annual Independence Day celebration, Capitol Police released details of security measures designed to curtail debauchery during the patriotic festivities.  

Glass bottles have been added to the list of items prohibited from the grounds on Saturday, along with the usual ban on alcoholic beverages, suitcases, duffel bags, bicycles and weapons or explosives — including fireworks.  

During this weekend’s festivities, authorities are playing the role of fun police , and have asked the Capitol be restricted to members and staff with offices in the Capitol, plus invited VIPs, as part of an effort to cut down on drunken private parties that have surrounded the event.  

From midnight Thursday until 4 a.m. Sunday, streets surrounding the West Front of the Capitol will be closed. Closures include First Street between Independence Avenue Southwest and Constitution Avenue Northwest; Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest between First Street Northwest and Third Street Northwest; and Maryland Avenue between First Street Southwest and Third Street Southwest.  

First Street between Garfield Circle and Peace Circle will remain partially closed until noon on Wednesday, police said.  

Though pressure cookers didn’t make the list of forbidden items, it’s probably best to leave yours at home given recent events. In May, police blew up a pressure cooker they found inside a Virginia man’s unattended vehicle, parked near the National Mall before the Memorial Day concert.  

Bridget Bowman contributed to this report.

See photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Call’s new video site.


Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.