Critics challenge drink ban on trains

The Scottish Tories have called for ScotRail’s “draconian” ban on alcohol to come to an end.

Drinking on trains and at stations was banned as a public health measure during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has not been relaxed in the way that other restrictions have.

The publicly-owned operator has said the move will be considered as part of the Scottish Government’s “national conversation” on rail, in what transport minister Jenny Gilruth said was a chance to consult both the public and staff.

But Scottish Tory transport spokesman Graham Simpson said the restriction should end, pointing out that ScotRail is just one of three rail operators outside London with a blanket ban on drinking.

“The SNP’s draconian ban on drinking alcohol on Scotland’s trains is out of step and out of touch,” he said.

“ScotRail is one of only a handful of rail operators in the UK to completely ban alcohol on their trains, and the SNP’s refusal to drop this Covid-era restriction looks more unreasonable by the day.”

Stephen Elliot, ScotRail’s security and crime manager, said: “The safety of our customers and our colleagues is always our number one priority.

“The current alcohol ban was introduced to support Covid-19 precautions, and will remain in place while it is considered as part of the Scottish Government’s national conversation on rail,” he added.