Metro-North Bar Carts Taken Out Of Service After Audit Finds Money Missing

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There might be no holiday spirits on the Metro-North Railroad after an audit uncovered missing funds from platform bar carts.

The unspecified amount of cash was discovered missing after a vendor complaint triggered a spot audit by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's inspector general.

The carts selling beer and alcohol were taken out of service indefinitely last Wednesday and the Journal News reports three employees have been suspended.

Alcohol sales on the MTA's commuter lines have long been a source of controversy.

At last month's board meeting, member Mitchell Pally advocated a ban on booze out of liability concerns.

"I think it's wrong for our employees to be selling alcohol," he said. "I assume we could find something better for them to do."

Chairman Tom Prendergast addressed his concerns, saying "We'll take a look at it from the standpoint of impact on potential positions. We can find other gainfully employed jobs for them to do."

In September, Metro-North opted to bring back the bar car on its New Haven line, but a return date has not been discussed meaning it could be a dry holiday season on the railroad.