Free Vancouver New Year's Eve event will feature a heavy police presence

Vancouver police say they'll be out in large numbers tonight as the city hosts its first public, outdoors New Year's Eve event in more thana decade.

The event produced byVancouver's New Year's Eve Celebration Societywill feature fireworks, live bands, and food trucks at Canada Place starting at 6 p.m.

Organizers of the free eventhave said it'sdesigned to be a family-friendly atmosphere, which will include a kids' zone anda 9 p.m. countdown for early bedtimes.

• New Year's Eve fireworks to light up Vancouverfor first time in decade
• Vancouver's New Year's Eve 2015 celebration at Canada Place approved

"Obviously, a concern when we have a large gathering in one specific place is making sure everyone issafe," saidSgt. RandyFincham.

"It's been a number of years since we've had a large scale gathering like this for New Year's in Vancouverand we don't want to blow it."

Officers will also bepatrollingother parts of the downtown area and elsewhere in the city, saidFincham.

He warned thatpeople shouldn't make alcohol part of their public celebration, no matter which part of town they're in.

"Leave the booze at home. We work very closely with Transit Police andSkyTrainofficials looking for booze coming into the city," he said."You can get a fairly hefty fine for drinking in public."

Finchamsaidpeople should also plan ahead, so they don'tdrive home after drinking.

TransLink is offering free rides starting at 5 p.m. and has extended service onSkyTrain and some buses for the night.