Drinking Beer On The Lirr: What You Need To Know

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has a somewhat confusing history of alcohol consumption on its trains and platforms. While drinking beer on the LIRR is generally allowed, there are specific times and events when alcohol consumption is prohibited, such as SantaCon, St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, large concerts or parades, and overnight weekend trains. During these designated blackout periods, alcohol may be banned on both trains and station platforms for the duration of the event. Outside of these restricted times, passengers can drink on the train as long as they are respectful, do not cause disturbances, and follow local laws and regulations. It is worth noting that drinking on the platforms is not allowed and can result in fines or removal from the station. The LIRR used to have bar carts and bar cars where commuters could purchase alcoholic beverages, but these have since been removed. Now, commuters are expected to bring their own drinks onto the trains if they wish to consume alcohol during their journey.

Beer was sold on LIRR platforms and trains in the past

The bar carts on LIRR platforms provided a convenient way for commuters to purchase alcoholic beverages before boarding their trains. These carts were often located at west end terminal platforms and were a familiar sight for travellers. The bar cars, on the other hand, were present on some trains and offered a dedicated space for commuters to relax and enjoy a drink during their journey.

The removal of these features may have been a disappointment to those who valued the sense of community and camaraderie they fostered. One commuter, Gary McGuire, expressed his sentiment by sharing that he had known his bartender for 20 years, highlighting the personal connections formed within these spaces. The bartenders themselves also cherished their roles, as evidenced by a sign posted by bartender Jim Ferragamo, expressing gratitude and pride in serving commuters.

The LIRR's history of allowing alcohol consumption, with the sale of beer on platforms and trains, created a unique culture and atmosphere that is now a thing of the past. While the sale of beer on LIRR property may have ended, the memories and impact of these communal spaces remain, leaving a lasting impression on the commuting experience for many.

Drinking on the LIRR is prohibited on platforms

Drinking on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) platforms is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages, whether in open or closed containers, are not allowed on station platforms during overnight weekend hours, typically between midnight and 5 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. This ban also extends to certain events and holidays, such as SantaCon, St. Patrick's Day, and New Year's Eve, as well as large concerts or parades. During these times, alcohol may be banned on platforms for the duration of the event. For example, during SantaCon in 2022, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) banned alcohol on LIRR platforms for 32 hours, from 4 am on Saturday until 12 pm on Sunday.

The prohibition of alcohol consumption on LIRR platforms is enforced by the MTA Police, who may confiscate alcoholic beverages and issue summonses to violators. Those who do not comply may be subject to removal from the station by the police. It's important to note that the rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption on the LIRR may change or be updated, so it's always advisable to check for any alcohol restrictions before consuming alcoholic beverages on the platforms.

While drinking on the LIRR platforms is prohibited, commuters are still allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages onto the trains during permitted hours. However, drinking on the train is not without its restrictions. Firstly, it is important to be respectful and not cause any disturbances or act disorderly. If passengers start acting up, they will be asked to leave at the next stop. Additionally, drinking in public places, such as on the train, is subject to local laws and regulations, such as open container laws.

The LIRR has a history of allowing alcohol consumption, with bar cars and bar carts on platforms selling alcoholic beverages. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards restricting alcohol consumption. The MTA has implemented alcohol bans during specific events and holidays, and the LIRR itself removed bar carts from platforms in 2018. While there may be conflicting reports about the enforcement of these rules, it's important to be mindful of the regulations and act responsibly to avoid any confrontations or issues with the authorities.

Alcohol is banned on the LIRR during certain events

Alcohol consumption on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a contentious issue. While it is generally allowed, there are certain events and occasions during which alcohol is banned on the LIRR trains and platforms. These restrictions are typically in place for specific events or holidays, such as SantaCon, St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, large concerts or parades, and other special events. During these times, alcohol may be banned on both trains and station platforms for a specified duration, such as the 32-hour ban during SantaCon.

The LIRR has a history of allowing alcohol consumption, with bar cars and bar carts on platforms selling alcoholic beverages. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards restricting alcohol consumption. The MTA has implemented alcohol bans during specific events and holidays, and the LIRR itself has removed bar carts from platforms. The overnight weekend alcohol ban on trains and station platforms is one such restriction, prohibiting alcoholic beverages between midnight and 5 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.

While the LIRR's official stance may be moving towards prohibiting alcohol consumption, there are conflicting reports from commuters and employees regarding the enforcement of these rules. Some commuters state that they have never been confronted about drinking on the train or platform, while others mention that drinking is permitted as long as it is not causing any disturbances or breaking open container laws. It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption on the LIRR may change, and it is advisable to check for the latest updates before consuming any alcoholic beverages on the train or platform.

During the times when alcohol is allowed, drinking on the LIRR is permitted as long as passengers are respectful and do not cause any disturbances. If passengers start acting up, they will be asked to leave at the next stop. This policy gives riders the freedom to drink responsibly without causing a disturbance. It is also important to be mindful of local laws and regulations, drink responsibly, be considerate of others, and dispose of trash properly.

Drinking on the LIRR is allowed unless it's overnight or weekend trains

Drinking on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is generally allowed, but there are specific times when alcohol consumption is prohibited. These restrictions are typically in place for events or holidays, such as SantaCon, St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, large concerts, or parades. During these times, alcohol may be banned on both trains and station platforms for the duration of the event. For example, during SantaCon in 2022, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) banned alcohol on LIRR trains and platforms for 32 hours, from 4 am on Saturday until 12 pm on Sunday.

Outside of these designated blackout periods, drinking on the LIRR is permitted as long as passengers are respectful and do not cause any disturbances. It is important to note that drinking on the platforms is not allowed and can result in fines or removal from the station. While drinking on the train is allowed during non-restricted times, passengers must be mindful of local laws and regulations and are expected to drink responsibly and be considerate of others.

The LIRR has a history of allowing alcohol consumption, with bar cars and bar carts on platforms selling alcoholic beverages. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards restricting alcohol consumption. The MTA has implemented alcohol bans during specific events and holidays, and the LIRR itself removed bar carts from platforms in 2018. While the LIRR's official stance may be moving towards prohibiting alcohol consumption, there are conflicting reports from commuters and employees about the enforcement of these rules. Some commuters state that they have never been confronted about drinking on the train, while others mention that drinking is permitted as long as it is not causing disturbances or breaking open container laws.

It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption on the LIRR may change periodically. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check for the latest updates and any alcohol restrictions or special event announcements before consuming alcoholic beverages on the train or platform.

Drinking on the LIRR is allowed as long as you're not acting up

Drinking on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a contentious issue. While it is generally allowed, there are certain times when alcohol consumption is prohibited, such as overnight weekend trains and platforms. During these times, alcohol may be banned on both trains and station platforms for the duration of the event or overnight period. For example, there is an alcohol ban during SantaCon, which lasts for 32 hours, and on other holidays like St. Patrick's Day and New Year's Eve. The LIRR also has the authority to ban alcohol on certain branch trains or specific days, such as during a festival or parade. It's important to note that these restrictions are subject to change and updates, so it's always a good idea to check for any alcohol restrictions or special event announcements before bringing drinks onto the LIRR.

Outside of these designated blackout periods, drinking on the LIRR is permitted as long as passengers are respectful and do not cause any disturbances. This means no acting up, being loud, or causing a scene. If passengers start causing a disturbance, they will be asked to leave at the next stop and may even be charged with having an open container. It is also important to follow the crew's instructions and be considerate of other passengers to ensure a pleasant journey for everyone.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards restricting alcohol consumption on the LIRR. The MTA has implemented alcohol bans during specific events and holidays, and the LIRR itself has removed bar carts from platforms. While the LIRR's official stance may be moving towards prohibiting alcohol consumption, there are conflicting reports from commuters and employees about the enforcement of these rules. Some commuters state that they have never been confronted about drinking, while others mention that drinking is allowed as long as it is not causing any disturbances or breaking open container laws.

Historically, the LIRR had a more relaxed approach to drinking, with bar cars and bar carts on platforms selling alcoholic beverages. The bar cars were removed in the 1980s, and the remaining bar carts followed suit in 2018. Despite these changes, drinking on the LIRR is still permitted during non-restricted times, and passengers are expected to bring their own drinks. It is important to note that drinking on the platforms is not allowed and can result in fines or removal from the station.

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