ScotRail to ban drinking and carrying alcohol on late-night trains

Meeting demand: ScotRail say they have the support of 84% of the public for the move.

ScotRail is to impose an alcohol ban on all its late-night trains and morning commuter services.

Passengers will not be allowed to drink or take alcohol on board trains between 9pm and 10am from July 20.

The rail operator says it will also refuse to allow anybody to travel who appears unfit to do so because of alcohol.

The hardline stance follows a consultation by Transport Scotland involving police and ScotRail on how to tackle the problem of drunken behaviour on trains.

In the past six months British Transport Police (BTP) have responded to 260 reports of drink-related incidents, some of which have caused delays and accidents.

A survey carried out last week revealed widespread support for a booze ban, with 84% of people in favour of the move.

ScotRail said it wanted to stop a "small minority" of passengers ruining journeys for their fellow travellers.

A spokesman said the ban would not apply to alcohol carried in shopping bags, as long as it was not taken out and consumed during the journey.

Managing director Steve Montgomery said: "Anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol has no place on our trains or at stations.

"It's time to call a halt on the irresponsible minority who spoil journeys for the majority.

"These individuals disrupt services, abuse staff and fellow customers, and cause accidents."

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said the move tied in with the Scottish Government's drive to tackle alcohol misuse.

He said: "We want everyone to enjoy themselves on nights out, but consideration for others is also vitally important.

"A journey home on a train shouldn't be a worrying or upsetting experience for any passenger.

"Responses to the Rail 2014 consultation clearly showed there is concern from passengers who have to travel in the company of those under the influence of alcohol and the anti-social behaviour that can sometimes come with it."

Chief superintendent Ellie Bird, area commander for Scotland with BTP, said: "Crime on Scotland's railways is at a record low. However, combating anti-social behaviour and disruption to the rail network remains a priority for us."

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