ScotRail to call last orders on tipples after 9pm for commuters

SCOTRAIL is to become the first UK train operator to ban the consumption of alcohol on its trains between hours of 9pm and 10am. It will also refuse to carry people considered too drunk to travel as part of a tough new stance on drink-fuelled anti- social behaviour.

SCOTRAIL is to become the first UK train operator to ban the consumption of alcohol on its trains between hours of 9pm and 10am.

It will also refuse to carry people considered too drunk to travel as part of a tough new stance on drink-fuelled anti- social behaviour.

The ban, the rail company says, is a response to public concerns about the problem, and calls from the Scottish Government to take action.

ScotRail will now launch a four-week campaign to make customers aware of the impending ban, which begins on 20 July. That will be followed by a fortnight-long softly-softly approach, allowing passengers to adapt to the change.

“Last orders” will apply on trains with catering services. Alcohol will not be sold from 8:30pm and customers will be asked to finish any alcoholic drinks by 9pm.

A ScotRail spokesman said that British Transport Police (BTP) will be alerted “if passengers refuse to leave after being declined access to trains or if behaviour causes concern to train crew or customers”.

Announcing the ban yesterday, Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said: “Anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol has no place on our trains or at stations. Customers should be able to travel in a safe and friendly environment.”

He added: “It’s time to call a halt on the irresponsible minority who spoil journeys for the majority. These individuals disrupt services, and abuse staff and fellow customers.”

Mr Montgomery even claimed they “cause accidents”.

In the past six months, a Scotrail review uncovered 260 occasions when British Transport Police (BTP) responded to drink-related incidents; an increasing number of trains delayed due to anti-social behaviour; and at least one accident a week caused by excessive alcohol consumption.