Riders looking to drink on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) before and after the ball drops on New Year?s Eve will have to party somewhere else.

Many commuters say in past years, trains on New Year?s Eve and New Year?s Day have been packed with rowdy partiers. To keep passengers safe, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials say from noon on New Year?s Eve to 9 a.m. on New Year?s Day, there will be no alcohol permitted on LIRR trains, platforms and stations. MTA officials say the New Year?s alcohol ban is mainly for security reasons.

While some feel the ban is a good safety procedure, others feel riders of age should be allowed to drink. MTA officials say there will be more police officers riding the trains to check for partiers as well as underage drinkers. Conductors are also instructed to keep an eye out for rule breakers.