The Long Island Rail Road is banning alcohol on all trains, stations and platforms Saturday through Monday in preparation for the Belmont Stakes and Puerto Rican Day Parade this weekend.
The LIRR is running 18 trains to Belmont Park in Elmont for the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, when the first race leading up to the third leg of the Triple Crown starts at 11:35 a.m. The parade along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street starts at 11 a.m. Sunday.
The weekend-long booze ban is in addition to the regularly enforced prohibition on alcoholic beverages on LIRR trains after midnight on weekends, a rule that began last year. MTA Police will be enforcing the ban.
Alcohol is also banned from being brought into the racetrack in Elmont, but can be purchased on premises. Riders are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to boarding and, when using the automated machines, to select “Deals & Getaways” on the first screen, then “Belmont Park.”
The LIRR also warns riders that new security rules will be in effect for the 145th running of the Belmont Stakes, including no coolers, backpacks, purses larger than 12-inches wide, umbrellas, folding chairs cameras with detachable lenses or lenses more than 6-inches long or glass bottles.
For more information on races and a complete listing of banned items call 718-641-4700 or visit nyra.com.
