MTA Issues Weekend Alcohol Ban On Long Island, Metro-North Trains

NEW YORK CITY — Passengers riding the Long Island Rail Road will have to leave their alcoholic beverages at home this weekend after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a ban on booze on certain trains this weekend due to SantaCon.

MTA officials announced Wednesday that alcohol consumption on the Metro-North Railway and Long Island Rail Road will not be permitted starting at 4 a.m. Saturday. The ban runs through 12 p.m. on Sunday and alcoholic consumption will not be permitted on the two lines’ platforms or stations during that time, officials said.

“There may be riders coming back to the train for the first time since the start of the pandemic,” MTA Police Chief Joseph McGrann said in a statement issued on Wednesday. “It is important we do everything we can to maintain orderly travel so that everyone can enjoy their holiday plans by getting to their destinations smoothly and on time.”

The MTA also reminded passengers that face-coverings are still required on trains due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

MTA said that it will increase police presence at Penn Station and Grand Central Station to enforce the presence of alcohol at stations and on train platforms. Police will confiscate alcoholic beverages and issue summonses for those found in violation, officials said. Violators may also be subject to removal from trains or stations by police if necessary.