ScotRail consults customers on ending alcohol ban

Ministers have asked police and other organisations if the restrictions should end

ScotRail is asking customers if they support ending the blanket ban on drinking alcohol on its services, amid a claim it is "unworkable".

The online survey comes more than three years after it was introduced as a temporary measure to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

The future of the ban is a decision for ministers, rather than ScotRail.

The government is currently asking rail bosses, the police and unions whether they think the restrictions should end.

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Rail users logging into ScotRail Wi-FI spots are being invited to take part a pop-up online survey, which begins with the statement: "In November 2020 ScotRail introduced a 24/7 ban to help support public health measures put in place by the Scottish government to help tackle coronavirus.

"This was presented and reported as a temporary measure.

"We are now looking to re-evaluate this prohibition and we are seeking our passengers views and opinions on this matter."

Customers are then asked to answer yes or no to the question: "Would you be supportive of ScotRail removing the permanent alcohol ban on trains and in stations?"

A second question asks: "If the current total alcohol ban remained in place, would this impact on your decision to travel with ScotRail for leisure journeys in the future?"

Respondents are asked to answer if they would be less or more inclined to get on a ScotRail train in that situation, or whether it would not affect them either way.

'Unworkable' ban

ScotRail is run by a Scottish government-owned company after being taken into public ownership in 2022.

ScotRail did not make anyone available for interview to discuss its position on the alcohol ban, but the operator did say that it regularly asked customers for their views on a variety of issues to help inform future decisions.

The first minister has been urged to lift the current restrictions by Conservative transport spokesman Douglas Lumsden, who said in parliament last month: "ScotRail and British Transport Police have both told me the ban is unworkable."

Humza Yousaf said at the time ScotRail, the British Transport Police, union leaders and others had been asked for their views and would give "appropriate consideration" to lifting the ban if the evidence pointed in that direction.

He added: "We will give particular weight to the voices of women and girls, who are often those who tell us that they can feel unsafe when it comes to antisocial behaviour."

The current ban prohibits the consumption of alcohol at any Scottish station or ScotRail train at any time of the day.

Passengers are also banned from carrying visible alcohol and can be stopped from getting on a train if deemed "unfit".

Drinking alcohol was previously banned on ScotRail services between 21:00 and 10:00.