As Usual, MTA Bans Booze On Metro-North Over SantaCon

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Hudson Valley residents headed to SantaCon can forget about getting their drink on aboard Metro-North trains while traveling to and from Manhattan this weekend.

SantaCon 2021 will include stops at dozens of bars in Hell's Kitchen, central Midtown, Midtown East and the East Village. The annual bar crawl was canceled last year due to the pandemic, but is returning in grand fashion starting 10 a.m. Saturday. SEE: MAP: SantaCon 2021 To Romp Through Manhattan

As in years past, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is banning alcohol consumption on LIRR and Metro-North Railroad trains during the convention, beginning 4 a.m. on Saturday through noon Sunday. Alcohol consumption will also be prohibited at all platforms.

The MTA Police Department will have an increased presence at Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal to enforce the weekend alcohol restriction, MTA officials said Wednesday. Police have plans to confiscate alcoholic beverages and issue summonses and violators can also expect to be taken off trains or removed from stations by police.

MTA Police Chief Joseph McGrann said there may be riders coming back to the train for the first time since the start of the pandemic, noting, "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.”

Officials also warned that masks and/or face coverings must be worn on all trains and remain on for the duration of one’s trip.

Described on its website as a "charitable, non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens once a year to spread absurdist joy," the event is more commonly known as a nuisance among New Yorkers, who complain about rowdiness and public urination by the thousands of young people who participate each year.

Indeed, 311 noise complaints at bars and restaurants fell by 33 percent last year while the festivities were on hold, according to a Patch analysis.

Apparently aware of its less-than-stellar reputation, SantaCon's website includes a list of "6 F's" for the event. Among them: "Don't F*** with Kids," "Don't F*** With Bar Staff," and "Don't F*** with NYC Vax Requirements."

SantaCon 2021 will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. The $13 tickets to participate in the bar crawl are being sold online through Saturday. (Proceeds go to charitable causes.) Learn more at santacon.nyc.

By Patch Editors Peggy Spellman Hoey and Nick Garber