News
Alcohol to be banned on Scottish trains
25/06/2012
Alcohol is being banned from Scottish trains in the evenings and mornings, following concerns about drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.
ScotRail has decided to prohibit the carrying and consumption of alcohol on its services between 21:00 and 10:00, starting on 20 July. Drunk people would be banned from travelling on trains under the crackdown.
Transport police have dealt with at least 260 drink-related incidents in the last six months, while an increasing number of trains have also been delayed, because of anti-social behaviour.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, added: "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."
Alcohol is already prohibited on certain services during football, rugby and other special events.
The wider ban came in the wake of responses to a consultation on the future of train services, which backers said showed clear concern from passengers about travelling with drunk people.