Alcohol ban for all Scotrail trains and stations set to start
The consumption of alcohol on trains and in stations will b e b a n n e d f r o m M o n d a y, Scotrail has confirmed.
The operator said the temp o r a r y m e a s u r e s , w h i c h were exclusively revealed by The Scotsman last month, will ensure social distancing and greater use of face coverings during the coronavirus pandemic.
Body cameras will be worn by rail staff to help enforce the 24-hour restrictions and British Transp or t Police will b e called if someone refuses to stop drinking.
Passengers will still be able to carry unopened alcohol in a bag.
Alcohol is currently banned on Scotrail services between 9pm and 10am.
S cotr ail said the measure will be “reviewed continuously as government guidelines change”.
David Lister, Scotrail’s sus
tainabilit y and safet y assurance director, said: “Throughout the pandemic, our people have been working flat out to deliver a safe and reliable service for customers throughout the country.
“Our five rules for safe travel have been followed by customers and the introduction of these restrictions on alco - hol will help to ensure that our staff and customers remain safe.
“We ask that everyone travelling on our trains, and passing through stations, play their p a r t a n d c o mp l y w i t h t h i s clear guidance.”
Mick Hogg, regional organiser for the RMT union, said: “RMT welcome this ban on alcohol that will help to keep our staff and passengers safe.”
“We are encouraging all of our memb ers to wear b o dy cameras which will help to keep everyone safe while these restrictions are in place.”
A S c o t R a i l s p o k e s p e r s o n said: "As the coronavirus pand e mi c c o n t i n u e s , we wa n t t o d o e ve r y t h i n g we c a n t o s u p p o r t t h e p u b l i c h e a l t h m e a s u r e s p u t i n p l a c e b y t h e S c o t t i s h G o v e r n m e n t . "Fr o m Mo n d ay, Nove mb e r 16, 2020, alcohol will not b e a l l owe d i n s t a t i o n s a n d o n trains, and p eople showing specific signs of intoxication will not be permitted to travel. "Over the past few months, we have found that people who are extremely drunk, or acting in a disorderly manner, show complete disregard towards Covid-19 precautions such as wearing a mask."