By Philip Newman
Here's a sobering thought: The Long Island Rail Road has raised the cost of that on-board libation, the first such hike in four years.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved the raise in the prices of booze at its monthly meeting April 30.
The raise, which passed unanimously and went into effect immediately, prompted board member Mitchell Palley of Stony Brook to exult, “at least it's a step in the right direction.”
Palley led an unsuccessful campaign last year to ban all alcoholic drinks from LIRR trains on the grounds that most imbibers drive a car when they get off the train.
The MTA board voted it down.
Domestic beer now costs $2.50, up 25 cents, and imported beer is now $3, up 50 cents.
Premium liquor is now $5.50, up 75 cents and house brand liquor $5.25, up from $4. Wine is $3.50, up from $3.
The cost of snacks also went up.
It's the first such price raise since 2004 and the second since 1996 on LIRR trains and platform stands.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 136
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