Raise a Glass: Alcoholic Beverages Return to the Staten Island Ferry

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2026
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Raise a Glass: Alcoholic Beverages Return to the Staten Island Ferry

Sales of beer, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails begin this Friday, March 27

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) Interim President and CEO Jeanny Pak today announced the return of alcoholic beverage sales aboard the Staten Island Ferry, beginning Friday, March 27. Beer, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails will be available for the first time since 2019, alongside expanded snack offerings including pretzels and popcorn. The new drink offerings will be available this Friday on the MV SSG Michael H. Ollis and expand to the Sandy Ground and Dorothy Day ferries in the coming weeks.

NYC DOT resumed onboard food service in December 2024, when vessels began offering coffee and snacks. The expanded menu will further enhance the rider experience.

"The Staten Island Ferry is already one of the best-and most scenic-rides in the world, and now it's even better," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "Whether you're commuting or just taking in the skyline, riders of the original fast and free transit service can once again enjoy their choice of a piping hot coffee or an iced cold brew."

"Whether you're a Staten Islander commuting home after a long work day or a visitor taking in the harbor views, the Staten Island Ferry is not just a critical piece of city infrastructure, it is an experience," said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. "Following the successful return of onboard concessions, NYCEDC is proud to celebrate another milestone with our partners at NYC DOT as alcohol sales return to the ferry, continuing to elevate the rider experience for the more than 16 million passengers it serves each year."

The Staten Island Ferry is the busiest municipal ferry service in the country, serving approximately 45,000 passengers on an average weekday and more than 16 million riders annually.

"Concessions on the Staten Island Ferry have long been popular with riders looking to unwind after a long day of work," said U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis. "Their return is a welcome addition for commuters."

"Countless Staten Island residents and visitors utilize the ferry daily, and the return of on-board alcoholic beverage sales is a great initiative to get riders excited about utilizing this transportation service, helping increase ridership and generating revenue for a Staten Island staple," said State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. "Thank you to all who played a role in the return of this long-awaited service. I'm looking forward to enjoying a cold beer to partake in a time-honored tradition."

"It is great to see the return of full concessions on the Staten Island Ferry. These were long-standing amenities that were part of the ferry experience, and their return enhances the experience for the thousands who use the ferry every day," said Council Member Kamillah Hanks. "I appreciate NYC DOT and NYCEDC for bringing these offerings back while prioritizing safety and accessibility."

"After a long week, there's nothing that tastes quite as good as that first Friday night beer on the way home. It doesn't just taste like beer, it tastes like the weekend," said Council Member Frank Morano. "I've always tried to stay focused on the business of governing, but I'd be lying if I said this won't factor into my decision the next time I'm choosing between the ferry and the express bus."