No Drinks Allowed on the Way to Concerts

Concert goers should think before they drink on that train this summer because it could cost you.

NJ Transit is banning all beverages on North Jersey Coast Line trains when concerts are held at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.

Violators will face arrest, a $1,000 fine and get kicked off the train.

The trains stop in Matawan, where shuttle buses run to the arts center.

NJ Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo says the ban mirrors a policy put into effect toward the end of the 2012 concert season.

Trucillo tells the Asbury Park Press it was a dangerous situation with people being intoxicated and a number had to be treated for alcohol poisoning.

All drinks were banned because people could otherwise sneak alcohol in non-alcoholic beverage containers.

“Unfortunately, we banned all beverages for specific concerts we know will be problematic and for the time that people are traveling to and from them,” Trucillo told the paper. “One thing we found out is that people are very innovative. They will put alcoholic beverages in Gatorade bottles and in Poland Spring water bottles.”

The chief says police will use discretion when it comes to commuters who bring coffee and water on board.

The beverage ban starts Friday before Pitbull & Ke$ha take the PNC Bank Center stage. Other acts performing at the venue this summer include Dave Matthews Band, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Phish, 311 and the Vans Warped Tour.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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