MTA to Ban Alcohol on All LIRR and Metro-North Railroad Trains and Stations for 32 Hours During SantaCon 2024

Restriction Effective 4:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Through 12:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15

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 (LIRR) trains during SantaCon. The ban will be in effect beginning 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, through 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. Alcohol consumption will also be prohibited at all LIRR and Metro-North station platforms during these hours.

"Our top priority is ensuring that Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road riders can celebrate safely," 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.