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.

“Maintaining safe and orderly travel is always a priority,” said MTA Police Chief Mueller. “We want everyone to enjoy their holiday festivities and get to their destination 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.