ScotRail Alcohol Policy: A Step Towards Safer Journeys
[scriptless]Alcohol now banned on Scottish trains
Once, a late-night train in Scotland was filled with passengers rounding out their evening with a few drinks.
Some people would indulge to break up the journey with a beer. However, this has no longer been possible since the ScotRail alcohol policy was introduced in 2012, when Scotland banned alcohol on trains in the evenings and the mornings.
The measure came after concerns about drunken anti-social behaviour on Scottish trains. It is a move applauded by British Transport Police, the local government, and most rail passengers who wish to travel safely without encountering drunk people at night.
People have the right to make the journey home without feeling intimidated by often loud, drunk passengers. ScotRail employees, such as porters or ticket collectors, have endured abuse, both verbal and physical. While most passengers are decent, law-abiding citizens, a small minority may lose control after consuming alcohol and disrupt the journey for others. To ensure a secure, friendly atmosphere and reduce drink-related incidents, the alcohol ban, overseen by ScotRail, was first introduced in 2002.
ScotRail operates more than 90% of the trains running in Scotland, exceeding 2,000 services daily. When the alcohol ban went into effect six years ago, it was enforced from 9.00 in the evening through to 10.00 in the morning. A restriction on alcohol already existed for trains carrying passengers to special events like football or rugby matches.
Before the ban’s introduction, ScotRail ran a month-long publicity campaign to inform passengers of the changes, followed by a two-week induction process to acclimate people to the new anti-drinking policy.
Now, with the law in effect, those found grossly intoxicated or behaving unruly will not be allowed onboard, day or night. Purchases from the drinks trolley cease past 8.30 in the evening, and drinks must be finished by 9.00. Incompliance, such as acting inappropriately or refusing to leave the train when asked by staff, may result in intervention by British Transport Police.
Between 9 pm and 10 am the following morning, passengers are not permitted to carry visible cans or bottles of alcohol, regardless of whether they’re opened. Despite the alcohol ban being enforced under current railway by-laws, passenger bags are not searched before or during train journeys.
These measures have decreased anti-social behaviour cases, with ScotRail and the government committed to monitoring alcohol consumption on trains. This is part of the wider effort to ensure that rail journeys are safer and more comfortable, free from the disruption caused by excessive drinking.
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