MTA and NJ Transit Enforce Alcohol Ban on SantaCon Weekend

Transit authorities implement 32-hour alcohol restrictions and increased police presence to manage safety during the annual bar crawl in New York City.

• The MTA and NJ Transit will prohibit alcohol on Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road, and NJ Transit trains, as well as at stations, starting 4 a.m. Saturday through noon Sunday.
• Additional police officers will be stationed at major transit hubs, including Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal, to enforce the ban and ensure safety.
• Violators of the alcohol ban may have their drinks confiscated, face fines, or be removed from transit systems, according to officials.
• SantaCon, an annual bar crawl featuring participants in holiday costumes, is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday in Manhattan and has drawn criticism for past incidents of public intoxication and disorder.
• Event organizers emphasize the charitable nature of SantaCon, claiming to have raised significant funds for various causes, though reports have questioned the allocation of these funds.

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