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. 11, through 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12. Alcohol consumption will also be prohibited at all LIRR and Metro-North station platforms during these hours.

“There may be riders coming back to the train for the first time since the start of the pandemic,” said MTA Police Chief Joseph McGrann. “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 Police Department will have an increased presence at Penn Station 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.

As a reminder, masks/face coverings must be worn on all trains and remain on for the duration of one’s trip.