St. Patrick's Day alcohol ban on the LIRR takes effect on Tuesday morning

The Long Island Rail Road is marking St. Patrick's Day with an annual tradition: the system-wide ban on drinking alcohol.

The 24-hour ban, which also covers Metro-North, begins on Tuesday at 5 a.m.

The LIRR is adding extra service into and out of Manhattan to accommodate the crowds expected for the annual parade. The parade begins at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue at 11 a.m. with marchers heading uptown. Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to march in the parade with the police commissioner, Jessica Tisch.

"Really, it is a day that so many New Yorkers look forward to, and it is one that I share in that excitement, because I know that it represents not just a celebration of the incredible contributions of Irish Americans to this city, but also one that celebrates so many of the different ethos that are core to the Irish spirit, including that of solidarity," Mamdani said on Monday at an unrelated event.

Alcohol is generally allowed on the region's commuter railroads, although it's banned at certain times, also including for SantaCon in December and New Year's. 

The ban for St. Patrick’s Day — one of the heaviest drinking days of the year — dates back to 2000.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.