Candy Underwear

A man passing out free candy "underwear" in Harvard Square was arrested last Thursday night for violating Cambridge city ordinances prohibiting drinking in public places and distributing non-religious materials, a spokesman for the Cambridge police department said yesterday.

The giveaway of panties made of licorice and gelatin drew a large crowd which attracted the attention of a Cambridge police officer, the spokesman said. Cambridge Police Sargeant Harold F. Murphy yesterday called the distribution of the candy a "publicity stunt." "He was distributing things that would cost him $3," he said.

After arraignment at Cambridge District Court, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges, Murphy said. No court date has yet been set.