What you should know
- The transit authority is preparing for what is sure to be a hectic weekend in New York City when the SantaCon event returns to Manhattan this Saturday. And that’s why the MTA announced that alcohol is prohibited on all Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road trains over the weekend. Additionally, you cannot drink on any of the platforms either.
- The ban begins at 4:00 am on Saturday and lasts until noon on Sunday. The MTA Police Department will deploy additional officers to enforce the measure, as well as deal with potentially rowdy crowds, at hubs such as Penn Station, Grand Central Madison and Grand Central Terminal. Police will issue citations to violators and take away their alcohol, and violators could also be kicked off MTA trains or stations.
- NJ Transit went a step further and banned all beverages on its trains, light rail and buses next Saturday for SantaCon in New York City, as well as SantaCon in Hoboken the following Saturday, December 17.
NEW YORK — A multitude of Santas will soon fill the streets of New York City, but they won’t be able to carry alcoholic beverages on MTA trains.
The transit authority is preparing for what is sure to be a hectic weekend in New York City when the SantaCon event returns to Manhattan this Saturday. And that’s why the MTA announced that alcohol is prohibited on all Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road trains over the weekend. Additionally, you cannot drink on any of the platforms either.
The ban begins at 4:00 am on Saturday and lasts until noon on Sunday. The MTA Police Department will deploy additional officers to enforce the measure, as well as deal with potentially rowdy crowds, at hubs such as Penn Station, Grand Central Madison and Grand Central Terminal. Police will issue citations to violators and take away their alcohol, and violators could also be kicked off MTA trains or stations.
“Ensuring everyone has access to safe and orderly rides is always a priority,” said MTA Police Chief John Mueller. “The holiday season is a wonderful time of year and we want everyone to get to their destination safely and on time while enjoying the festivities.”
NJ Transit went a step further and banned all beverages on its trains, light rail and buses next Saturday for SantaCon in New York City, as well as SantaCon in Hoboken the following Saturday, December 17.
What is SantaCon?
The annual SantaCon event takes place every December. Crowds of people will be dressed as Santa Claus, Mother Christmas, elves and all kinds of Christmas characters celebrating the famous pub crawl that begins in midtown Manhattan and continues to the East Village.
Organizers encourage people to donate $15 for free admission to participating venues.
The website describes the event as “a nonsensical, non-political, charitable Santa Claus convention held once a year to spread absurd joy.”
Naturally, there are always some Grinches who drink too many eggnogs (God help them if that’s what they drink all day) and ruin the fun for everyone, whether through obnoxious behavior or making messes on the streets and sidewalks. from the city.
Las SantaCon rules, stated on the event’s website, are simple: Don’t mess with the kids, the police, the bar staff, the charity mission, or simply, New York City. Just be nice to people and clean up after yourself, don’t throw up in the street.
What bars participate?
The joyful festivities begin at 10 a.m. on Seventh Avenue, where the cavalcade of Kringles will parade before heading to their first bars of the day.
For those who participate, the SantaCon map shows that there are several participating bars in Midtown and East Village. More than 50 bars and clubs will welcome people, and the website encourages participants to come and go as they please at each location.
For those who prefer to avoid the event at all costs, stay away from Midtown East and West, as well as East Village, where most of the bars are located. In Manhattan, stick to the Upper West Side, Harlem, and the upper and lower parts of the island; for those in other counties…well, you better stay put if you’re trying to dodge the drinkers.
Or maybe it’s just a good weekend to get out of town altogether if the event isn’t your thing.
2023-12-04 22:44:05
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