New York, NY - December 13th, 2013 - To maintain orderly travel during this weekend’s SantaCon event, alcohol will not be permitted on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North trains and stations from 12 noon on Saturday, December 14 through 12 noon on Sunday, December 15.
MTA Police Officers will be on duty at Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station and at train stations and on trains to enforce this restriction. The police will confiscate illegal liquor and issue summonses carrying fines up to $50 or 30 days imprisonment or both. Violators may also be subject to ejection from the train or station by police.
Although alcohol is generally allowed on Metro-North and the LIRR, earlier this year the LIRR instituted a permanent prohibition between midnight and 5 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. Both railroads have imposed temporary bans on occasion for the protection of customers and train crews.
SantaCon is an annual mass gathering of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes parading publicly on streets and in bars in cities around the world. The focus is on spontaneity and creativity, while having a good time and spreading cheer and goodwill. However, in past years some participants have been cited as a public nuisance. The MTA Police have effectively enforced open container infractions during past SantaCon celebrations.
