(AP) -- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is banning alcohol on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad trains and stations during this weekend's costumed pub crawl in New York known as SantaCon.

The transit agency said the intent is to maintain orderly travel and safe station and terminal operations.

Alcohol will not be permitted on Long Island Rail Road trains and in stations from 11 p.m. Friday through noon Sunday.

Alcohol will be banned on Metro-North Railroad trains and in stations from 5 a.m. Saturday through noon Sunday.

MTA police officers will be on duty at Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, stations and trains to enforce the restriction.

Police will confiscate alcoholic beverages and issue summonses carrying fines or imprisonment. Police also may remove violators from trains or stations.