Thousands of Santa’s are gearing up to crowd the streets of NYC this weekend as SantaCon is set to take place on Saturday, December 14th. And considering the event isn’t much more than an all-day drinking spectacle (and a nuisance in the eyes of many New Yorkers), the MTA announced that, as in years past, it will ban the consumption of alcohol on the LIRR and Metro-North Railroad during the event.
The alcohol ban will go in effect beginning Saturday, December 14th at 4 a.m. and continue through Sunday, December 15th at 12 p.m. Alcohol consumption will also be prohibited at all LIRR and Metro-North station platforms during these hours.
The ban is an attempt to decrease the chance of bad Santas taking over the city.
MTA Police Chief John Mueller stated:
Our top priority is ensuring that Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road riders can celebrate safely…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.
In addition to alcohol being banned, 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.
Santas that go against the ban will receive a summons and have their alcoholic beverages confiscated. They may also be subject to removal from trains or stations by police.
Keep in mind that though the ban doesn’t explicitly state the city’s subway system as well, the MTA’s rules of conduct already prohibit the consumption of alcohol on subways and buses.
So, a word of warning to those planning to participate in the event–even Santa can make the naughty list!