Drinking Beer On Lirr: What You Need To Know

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has implemented an overnight weekend alcohol ban on its trains and station platforms. Alcoholic beverages, whether in open or closed containers, are prohibited on overnight weekend trains between midnight and 5 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. This ban also extends to station platforms during these overnight hours. The MTA police enforce this restriction with an increased presence at Penn Station and throughout the LIRR system. While the LIRR allows drinking on its trains during permitted times, there are certain events and holidays, such as SantaCon, when alcohol consumption may be banned for a specified duration.

Beer was sold on LIRR platforms and trains in the past

The LIRR bar carts were a source of joy and relief for many commuters, and their removal was met with disappointment and frustration. One commuter, Matt Brown, expressed his anger at the decision, feeling that the bar carts were one of the few pleasures of taking the LIRR. Another commuter, Gary McGuire, lamented the loss of the bar carts, having known his bartender for 20 years. The bartenders themselves were also saddened by the change, with one bartender, Jim Ferragamo, posting a sign thanking his customers for their support and expressing his pride in bringing relief and joy to hectic days.

In addition to the bar carts, the LIRR also had bar cars on some trains in the past. These bar cars were removed in the 1980s, and the remaining bar carts followed suit in 2018. This means that currently, there are no options for purchasing beer on LIRR platforms or trains. However, commuters are still allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages onto the trains, as long as they follow certain rules and restrictions.

While the sale of beer on LIRR platforms and trains may be a thing of the past, the memories of the bar carts and bar cars remain. For many commuters, these were places of comfort and camaraderie, where they could unwind and connect with others. The removal of the bar carts and bar cars may have changed the landscape of the LIRR, but the impact they had on commuters will not be forgotten.

Alcohol is banned on LIRR during certain events

Alcohol consumption is generally allowed on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). However, there are certain events and occasions during which alcohol is banned on the LIRR trains and platforms.

For instance, during SantaCon in 2022 and 2023, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) banned alcohol on the LIRR and Metro-North trains and platforms for 32 hours, from 4 a.m. on Saturday to 12 p.m. on Sunday. The MTA Police enforced this ban by confiscating alcoholic beverages and issuing summonses to violators, who were also subject to removal from trains or stations.

Additionally, alcohol may be banned on the LIRR during other holidays, such as St. Patrick's Day and New Year's Eve, as well as during big events or concerts. The consumption of alcohol may also be prohibited on certain branch trains or specific days. For example, there was a ban on alcohol on the Ronkonkoma branch trains during a festival or parade in Deer Park, and alcohol is not permitted on "overnight weekend trains" or on the platform.

It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption on the LIRR may change or be updated, and there may be other specific occasions or events during which alcohol is prohibited. It is always a good idea to check for any alcohol restrictions before consuming alcoholic beverages on the LIRR.

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 certain times when alcohol consumption is prohibited. These restrictions are typically in place for specific events or holidays, such as SantaCon, St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, and 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. Alcohol used to be readily available on LIRR platforms through bar carts and even bar cars on some trains, but these have since been removed. Passengers are now expected to bring their own drinks, and 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 LIRR is allowed during non-restricted times, it is important to be mindful of local laws and regulations. Additionally, as with any drinking in public, it is essential to drink responsibly, be considerate of others, and dispose of trash properly.

It is always a good idea to check for any alcohol restrictions or special event announcements before bringing drinks onto the LIRR, as these policies are enforced by the MTA and local law enforcement.

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 currently prohibited on overnight weekend trains and platforms, it is allowed at other times. However, this policy may change in the future, as there is some opposition to drinking on the LIRR.

The LIRR has a history of allowing alcohol consumption, with bar cars and bar carts on platforms selling alcoholic beverages. In recent years, there have been some changes, with the bar cars removed in the 1980s and the bar carts on platforms discontinued in 2018. Despite these changes, drinking on the LIRR is still permitted, as long as it is not during the specified overnight weekend ban.

During the times when alcohol is allowed, drinking on the LIRR is permitted as long as passengers are not causing a disturbance or acting disorderly. 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 important to note that the LIRR's policy may change, and there may be additional restrictions during certain events or holidays, so it is always a good idea to check for any updates before drinking on the train.

When drinking on the LIRR, it is essential to be respectful and follow a few simple guidelines. Firstly, make sure to bring enough drinks to share with others. Additionally, be mindful of your trash and take it with you when you leave the train, disposing of it in the trash receptacles on the station platforms. Always remember to follow the crew's instructions and be considerate of other passengers to ensure a pleasant journey for everyone.

Drinking on the LIRR is prohibited on platforms

The LIRR has a history of allowing alcohol consumption on its trains and platforms, with bar carts and bar cars previously available for commuters. 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.

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 or platform, while others mention that drinking is allowed 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 periodically, and it is always a good idea to check for the latest updates before consuming any alcoholic beverages on the train or platform. While the LIRR may have a more relaxed approach to drinking compared to the subway, it is still essential to be mindful of the rules and act responsibly to avoid any confrontations or issues with the authorities.

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