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MTA to Ban Alcohol on LIRR and Metro-North Trains and Stations for 32 Hours for SantaCon 2023

MTA
Updated Dec 4, 2023 9:30 a.m.

Restriction Effective 4 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, Through Noon Sunday, Dec. 10

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that, as in years past, it will ban the consumption of alcohol on Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road trains during SantaCon. The ban will be in effect beginning 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, through 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Alcohol consumption will also be prohibited at all LIRR and Metro-North station platforms during these hours.

“Ensuring everyone has access to safe and orderly travel is a top priority,” said MTA Police Chief John Mueller. “The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, and we want everyone to get to their destination smoothly and on time while enjoying the festivities.”

The MTA Police Department will have an increased presence at Penn Station, Grand Central Madison and Grand Central Terminal to enforce the weekend alcohol restriction. Police will confiscate alcoholic beverages and issue summonses. Violators may also be subject to removal from trains or stations by police.