Alcohol ban on ScotRail trains to be lifted next month

The alcohol ban across ScotRail trains is set to be lifted as soon as next month.

From June 2, alcohol may be consumed on ScotRail trains between 10am and 9pm.

It comes after John Swinney announced a relaxation of the alcohol ban on ScotRail trains earlier this week.

The carrying and consumption of booze has been prohibited on trains and in stations since November 2020.

Other restrictions may apply, as determined by ScotRail and BTP, in certain circumstances such as large sporting events or concerts.

Transport Scotland led a Working Group that agreed to the date, is set to review the enforcement powers in relation to anti-social behaviour on Scotland’s railway.

The Working Group will map and assess current enforcement powers and their effectiveness.

BTP Scotland’s chief superintendent Lorna McEwan welcomed the change in restrictions, saying anti-social behaviour remains a “key priority”.

“This working group will allow us to identify opportunities to tackle ASB through joint working with key stakeholders and partners, so we can collectively make Scotland’s railway safer for everyone,” she said.

“We take all reports of ASB seriously and would encourage the public and passengers to save our text number 61016, so they can report incidents to us.”

Kevin Lindsay, of ASLEF, welcomed the change in restrictions, saying it should be backed up by a more visible presence of BTP on trains and at stations.

Gordon Martin, RMT added: “Rail workers are on the frontline and face threats and assaults on a daily basis, and we welcome any efforts by ScotRail and the Scottish Government to address anti-social behaviour on trains and on railway property.

“This now includes there being active consideration of how legislation can increase protections for rail workers, including stronger punishments for perpetrators.”

TSSA organiser Gary Kelly said the ban was appropriate during COVID but had “outlived” its use.

“TSSA look forward to engaging with the working group and for the Scottish Government to implement real policy change that sends out the message that anti-social behaviour on our railway is unacceptable”.

Cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “I welcome the Working Group’s swift and decisive approach to determining the date the changes will be made to the current alcohol ban.

“It is by working collectively with those staff on the frontline and policy makers who understand the issues at heart that we can develop a meaningful and practical approach to tackle anti-social behaviour on Scotland’s railway.”