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Transport booze ban to start in June
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| Banning alcohol on London's transport network was one of Boris Johnson's key election pledges |
Boris Johnson's public transport alcohol ban will take effect from next month.
Yesterday London's new mayor announced booze will not be allowed on the Tube, bus, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and tram services and stations across the capital.
As of June 1 drinking from and carrying open containers of alcohol will be banned.
The initiative was one of the Conservative mayor's key election pledges. He unveiled posters advising passengers of the plans, which will now be displayed on the Transport for London (TFL) network.
"I'm determined to improve the safety and security of public transport in London and create a better environment for the millions of Londoners who rely on it," said Mr Johnson, who officially become the capital's new mayor on Monday. "I firmly believe that if we drive out so-called minor crime then we will be able to get a firm grip on more serious crime.
| "I firmly believe that if we drive out so-called minor crime then we will be able to get a firm grip on more serious crime." | | Boris Johnson |
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"The ban is supported by the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police, and over the next month Transport for London will make the necessary legal changes and consult with staff."
Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, welcomed the ban. "Public drinking and the behaviour sometimes associated with it can , and does, deeply affect people's ability to enjoy public spaces," he said. "Taking a firm approach to public drinking in this way sends a strong message that public drunkenness is socially unacceptable and will support both the public and transport staff. This in the end, is what culture change' is all about."
8:25am Thursday 8th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Simon, South Croydon on 11:17am Thu 8 May 08
Well done Boris!
Shame on the Unions though, upset at not being 'consulted'. Either you want to help and be part of making peoples' journeys better or you are just out for yourselves. I guess they will want extra pay due to the increased responsibility....
Well done Boris!
Shame on the Unions though, upset at not being 'consulted'. Either you want to help and be part of making peoples' journeys better or you are just out for yourselves. I guess they will want extra pay due to the increased responsibility....
Posted by: D, Croydon on 11:52am Thu 8 May 08
All these consultations just slow things down and stop them happening. What he is doing is a good thing and will be a positive change. I expect the "consultation" would have included a demand for extra pay due to the new responsibility of telling people not to drink, or am I being cynical?
All these consultations just slow things down and stop them happening. What he is doing is a good thing and will be a positive change. I expect the "consultation" would have included a demand for extra pay due to the new responsibility of telling people not to drink, or am I being cynical?
Posted by: Kevin Davis on 11:56am Thu 8 May 08
You would have thought the unions would have been pleased that someone was taking steps to protect both travellers and their own workers.
Still the RMT is the last of old-style unions.
You would have thought the unions would have been pleased that someone was taking steps to protect both travellers and their own workers.
Still the RMT is the last of old-style unions.
Posted by: RG, Surrey on 12:08pm Thu 8 May 08
This is a great initiative, but how about stopping people who are already under the influence gettin on public transport. I had the misfortune to be on a train from Waterloo only last week, at 4.30 in the afternoon where a female who was clearly drunk got on then puked all over the seats. I avoid public transport specifically because of this sort of person. You would not be allowed to board an aeroplane in that sort of state, so why any other form of transport.
This is a great initiative, but how about stopping people who are already under the influence gettin on public transport. I had the misfortune to be on a train from Waterloo only last week, at 4.30 in the afternoon where a female who was clearly drunk got on then puked all over the seats. I avoid public transport specifically because of this sort of person. You would not be allowed to board an aeroplane in that sort of state, so why any other form of transport.
Posted by: Alright Jack!, Wimbledon on 2:17pm Thu 8 May 08
I look forward to Bob Crowe calling strike because his men will be put out by this, after all it's getting a bit sunny at the moment and they need their time down the pub.
I look forward to Bob Crowe calling strike because his men will be put out by this, after all it's getting a bit sunny at the moment and they need their time down the pub.
Posted by: Alright Jack!, Wimbledon on 2:17pm Thu 8 May 08
I look forward to Bob Crowe calling strike because his men will be put out by this, after all it's getting a bit sunny at the moment and they need their time down the pub.
I look forward to Bob Crowe calling strike because his men will be put out by this, after all it's getting a bit sunny at the moment and they need their time down the pub.
Posted by: luke, London on 3:19pm Thu 8 May 08
The only people that are going to obey the law are the law-obiding passengers who might enjoy a quiet drink on the way home..
The only people that are going to obey the law are the law-obiding passengers who might enjoy a quiet drink on the way home..
Posted by: Kes, Upper Norwood on 3:28pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]luke[/bold] wrote:
The only people that are going to obey the law are the law-obiding passengers who might enjoy a quiet drink on the way home..[/quote] Don't be so pessimistic, Luke. I visit Prague regularly and you very rarely see anyone eating or drinking anything on the Metro, let alone alcoholic drink. At least an attempt is being made and in the right order ie fines, etc come later.
luke wrote:
The only people that are going to obey the law are the law-obiding passengers who might enjoy a quiet drink on the way home..
Don't be so pessimistic, Luke. I visit Prague regularly and you very rarely see anyone eating or drinking anything on the Metro, let alone alcoholic drink. At least an attempt is being made and in the right order ie fines, etc come later.
Posted by: S, kingston on 3:31pm Thu 8 May 08
I think this is good idea, it will make peoples journeys alot better, why should we have to sit on a train, bus etc with people that might have had one to many. They did it with smoking so why not with this !!! GO BORIS
I think this is good idea, it will make peoples journeys alot better, why should we have to sit on a train, bus etc with people that might have had one to many. They did it with smoking so why not with this !!! GO BORIS
Posted by: Pat, Wandsworth on 3:53pm Thu 8 May 08
RG
There are already existing railway by-laws in place that state intoxicated passengers are not allowed to use the railways, as they are a danger to themselves and others.
Problem is they are not enforced by the ridiculously thinly spread British Transport Police.
RG
There are already existing railway by-laws in place that state intoxicated passengers are not allowed to use the railways, as they are a danger to themselves and others.
Problem is they are not enforced by the ridiculously thinly spread British Transport Police.
Posted by: DAN, Roundshaw on 4:01pm Thu 8 May 08
people will still drink on public transport, you can always put booze into other kinds of bottles and containers you know. It is a shame to admit it, but as a whole society, this country needs security guards on public transport, because too many people think they can do what they like to other people in public.
A shame because those people who behave like that have turned this country into a nanny state where we have to be constantly watched by authorities.
people will still drink on public transport, you can always put booze into other kinds of bottles and containers you know. It is a shame to admit it, but as a whole society, this country needs security guards on public transport, because too many people think they can do what they like to other people in public.
A shame because those people who behave like that have turned this country into a nanny state where we have to be constantly watched by authorities.
Posted by: OB, London on 4:42pm Thu 8 May 08
Reading Pats comment on police being spread thin, I agree they cannot patrol the train/buses as it is to control rowdiness and drunkenness so this law will make no difference to anyone
Reading Pats comment on police being spread thin, I agree they cannot patrol the train/buses as it is to control rowdiness and drunkenness so this law will make no difference to anyone
Posted by: Arfur Towcrate, Staffycher on 6:26pm Thu 8 May 08
The unions are concerned about who is going to enforce this. Given that Croydon police have been unwilling/unable to stop people smoking cannabis on buses in the borough, just who do you expect to enforce this?
The unions are concerned about who is going to enforce this. Given that Croydon police have been unwilling/unable to stop people smoking cannabis on buses in the borough, just who do you expect to enforce this?
Posted by: Kes, Upper Norwood on 10:05pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]Arfur Towcrate[/bold] wrote:
The unions are concerned about who is going to enforce this. Given that Croydon police have been unwilling/unable to stop people smoking cannabis on buses in the borough, just who do you expect to enforce this? [/quote] I must say that, in recent years, I have never come across any smoking, let alone cannabis, on buses. As for "unions", it is only one and no guesses for which one that is.
Arfur Towcrate wrote:
The unions are concerned about who is going to enforce this. Given that Croydon police have been unwilling/unable to stop people smoking cannabis on buses in the borough, just who do you expect to enforce this?
I must say that, in recent years, I have never come across any smoking, let alone cannabis, on buses. As for "unions", it is only one and no guesses for which one that is.
Posted by: Kes, Upper Norwood on 10:08pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]Kes[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Arfur Towcrate[/bold] wrote: The unions are concerned about who is going to enforce this. Given that Croydon police have been unwilling/unable to stop people smoking cannabis on buses in the borough, just who do you expect to enforce this? [/quote] I must say that, in recent years, I have never come across any smoking, let alone cannabis, on buses. As for "unions", it is only one and no guesses for which one that is.[/quote] "unions" should be replaced by 'one union leader'
Kes wrote:
Arfur Towcrate wrote: The unions are concerned about who is going to enforce this. Given that Croydon police have been unwilling/unable to stop people smoking cannabis on buses in the borough, just who do you expect to enforce this?
I must say that, in recent years, I have never come across any smoking, let alone cannabis, on buses. As for "unions", it is only one and no guesses for which one that is.
"unions" should be replaced by 'one union leader'
Posted by: Dave, London on 3:38am Fri 9 May 08
To those who say intoxicated folks should not be permitted to ride public transport, do you really mean to imply they should be driving or walking home instead?
To those who say intoxicated folks should not be permitted to ride public transport, do you really mean to imply they should be driving or walking home instead?
Posted by: Kes, Upper Norwood on 9:17am Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Dave[/bold] wrote:
To those who say intoxicated folks should not be permitted to ride public transport, do you really mean to imply they should be driving or walking home instead?[/quote] The ban is about taking alcoholic drinks onto public transport!
Dave wrote:
To those who say intoxicated folks should not be permitted to ride public transport, do you really mean to imply they should be driving or walking home instead?
The ban is about taking alcoholic drinks onto public transport!
Posted by: s.santhi, London on 11:29am Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Pat[/bold] wrote:
RG There are already existing railway by-laws in place that state intoxicated passengers are not allowed to use the railways, as they are a danger to themselves and others. Problem is they are not enforced by the ridiculously thinly spread British Transport Police. [/quote] Well said, I am an LUL employee I was assulted three times by drunken persons, BTP has very little man power to deal with these issues.
IT IS NICE TO BRING IN GOOD IDEAS. THEY WILL BECOME PRACTICALY POSSIBLE ONLY AFTER ENSURING MEANS TO ENFORCE THEM.
" [bold]it is like promissing a crying child that I will take you to moon knowing that it is not practicaly possible"[/bold]
Pat wrote:
RG There are already existing railway by-laws in place that state intoxicated passengers are not allowed to use the railways, as they are a danger to themselves and others. Problem is they are not enforced by the ridiculously thinly spread British Transport Police.
Well said, I am an LUL employee I was assulted three times by drunken persons, BTP has very little man power to deal with these issues.
IT IS NICE TO BRING IN GOOD IDEAS. THEY WILL BECOME PRACTICALY POSSIBLE ONLY AFTER ENSURING MEANS TO ENFORCE THEM.
"
it is like promissing a crying child that I will take you to moon knowing that it is not practicaly possible" Posted by: Kes, Upper Norwood on 7:58pm Fri 9 May 08
The no-smoking ban seems to be effective with the same "ridiculously thinly spread British Transport Police". At the end of the day it comes down to having the will to enforce anything. After all, I understand that there is a law which says that mobile phones should be used when driving. Also it is an offence to ride a bicycle on the footpath.
The no-smoking ban seems to be effective with the same "ridiculously thinly spread British Transport Police". At the end of the day it comes down to having the will to enforce anything. After all, I understand that there is a law which says that mobile phones should be used when driving. Also it is an offence to ride a bicycle on the footpath.
Posted by: Simbad, Kingston on 10:27pm Fri 9 May 08
This is a great first step! Serving Alcohol on public transport is unnecessary and sends the wrong message. I hope it can be removed from sale from train trolleys in and out of the capital (and domestic flights while I'm on the subject!) We all love a drink.. but we can all wait an hour!
This is a great first step! Serving Alcohol on public transport is unnecessary and sends the wrong message. I hope it can be removed from sale from train trolleys in and out of the capital (and domestic flights while I'm on the subject!) We all love a drink.. but we can all wait an hour!
Posted by: Gareth on 3:06pm Sat 10 May 08
Who wants to risk getting stabbed or beaten for telling someone they can't drink on a bus? An idea may be good in theory but enforcing it in the real world is a totally different matter. Not all aggressive or anti-social behaviour stems from drinking. I've had food and other objects thrown at me when I've been on the bus and the culprits certainly hadn't been drinking. Banning alcohol on public transport without having a proper system of enforcement in place is just putting the staff at further risk if they are the ones who are expected to deal with it.
Who wants to risk getting stabbed or beaten for telling someone they can't drink on a bus? An idea may be good in theory but enforcing it in the real world is a totally different matter. Not all aggressive or anti-social behaviour stems from drinking. I've had food and other objects thrown at me when I've been on the bus and the culprits certainly hadn't been drinking. Banning alcohol on public transport without having a proper system of enforcement in place is just putting the staff at further risk if they are the ones who are expected to deal with it.
Posted by: charles, sutton on 4:30pm Sat 10 May 08
Thi sin't about someone who has been drinking already, this is about open bottles, cans, and people openly drinking on the public transport which is wrong and dangerous to those around who pay a lot of money for a safe ride. Those who have been in a pub woldn't be thrown off unless they caused trouble but those who have open drinks and are consuming them whilst on the transport will be told to sod off for the good of the public. Only an alcoholic will defend the rights to drink and smoke on transport endangering those of us who are wanting to travel in safety. Also, Boris is saying more transport police will be put out there for us to enforce the problem. As a bus driver, I applaud anything to make my job and my passengers safer. Those who opening drink are trying to antagonize us and cause trouble. If you m ust, drink before you go on, not during.
Thi sin't about someone who has been drinking already, this is about open bottles, cans, and people openly drinking on the public transport which is wrong and dangerous to those around who pay a lot of money for a safe ride. Those who have been in a pub woldn't be thrown off unless they caused trouble but those who have open drinks and are consuming them whilst on the transport will be told to sod off for the good of the public. Only an alcoholic will defend the rights to drink and smoke on transport endangering those of us who are wanting to travel in safety. Also, Boris is saying more transport police will be put out there for us to enforce the problem. As a bus driver, I applaud anything to make my job and my passengers safer. Those who opening drink are trying to antagonize us and cause trouble. If you m ust, drink before you go on, not during.
Posted by: Gareth on 8:37pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]charles[/bold] wrote:
Thi sin't about someone who has been drinking already, this is about open bottles, cans, and people openly drinking on the public transport which is wrong and dangerous to those around who pay a lot of money for a safe ride. Those who have been in a pub woldn't be thrown off unless they caused trouble but those who have open drinks and are consuming them whilst on the transport will be told to sod off for the good of the public. Only an alcoholic will defend the rights to drink and smoke on transport endangering those of us who are wanting to travel in safety. Also, Boris is saying more transport police will be put out there for us to enforce the problem. As a bus driver, I applaud anything to make my job and my passengers safer. Those who opening drink are trying to antagonize us and cause trouble. If you m ust, drink before you go on, not during. [/quote] So if it is the act of drinking on public transport that poses danger to the public do you propose a ban on bottles of J2O and cans of Coke as well? It is a bit prejudiced to say that anyone who would defend the right to drink on public transport is an alcoholic.
charles wrote:
Thi sin't about someone who has been drinking already, this is about open bottles, cans, and people openly drinking on the public transport which is wrong and dangerous to those around who pay a lot of money for a safe ride. Those who have been in a pub woldn't be thrown off unless they caused trouble but those who have open drinks and are consuming them whilst on the transport will be told to sod off for the good of the public. Only an alcoholic will defend the rights to drink and smoke on transport endangering those of us who are wanting to travel in safety. Also, Boris is saying more transport police will be put out there for us to enforce the problem. As a bus driver, I applaud anything to make my job and my passengers safer. Those who opening drink are trying to antagonize us and cause trouble. If you m ust, drink before you go on, not during.
So if it is the act of drinking on public transport that poses danger to the public do you propose a ban on bottles of J2O and cans of Coke as well? It is a bit prejudiced to say that anyone who would defend the right to drink on public transport is an alcoholic.
Posted by: Jock, London on 2:28am Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Gareth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]charles[/bold] wrote: Thi sin't about someone who has been drinking already, this is about open bottles, cans, and people openly drinking on the public transport which is wrong and dangerous to those around who pay a lot of money for a safe ride. Those who have been in a pub woldn't be thrown off unless they caused trouble but those who have open drinks and are consuming them whilst on the transport will be told to sod off for the good of the public. Only an alcoholic will defend the rights to drink and smoke on transport endangering those of us who are wanting to travel in safety. Also, Boris is saying more transport police will be put out there for us to enforce the problem. As a bus driver, I applaud anything to make my job and my passengers safer. Those who opening drink are trying to antagonize us and cause trouble. If you m ust, drink before you go on, not during. [/quote] So if it is the act of drinking on public transport that poses danger to the public do you propose a ban on bottles of J2O and cans of Coke as well? It is a bit prejudiced to say that anyone who would defend the right to drink on public transport is an alcoholic.[/quote] Gareth, get with the programme. The subject of this news story is about booze, so drinking is taken to mean drinking alcohol.
I knew that from reading charles' comment. But then I guess some of us are faster on the uptake.
Gareth wrote:
charles wrote: Thi sin't about someone who has been drinking already, this is about open bottles, cans, and people openly drinking on the public transport which is wrong and dangerous to those around who pay a lot of money for a safe ride. Those who have been in a pub woldn't be thrown off unless they caused trouble but those who have open drinks and are consuming them whilst on the transport will be told to sod off for the good of the public. Only an alcoholic will defend the rights to drink and smoke on transport endangering those of us who are wanting to travel in safety. Also, Boris is saying more transport police will be put out there for us to enforce the problem. As a bus driver, I applaud anything to make my job and my passengers safer. Those who opening drink are trying to antagonize us and cause trouble. If you m ust, drink before you go on, not during.
So if it is the act of drinking on public transport that poses danger to the public do you propose a ban on bottles of J2O and cans of Coke as well? It is a bit prejudiced to say that anyone who would defend the right to drink on public transport is an alcoholic.
Gareth, get with the programme. The subject of this news story is about booze, so drinking is taken to mean drinking alcohol.
I knew that from reading charles' comment. But then I guess some of us are faster on the uptake.
Posted by: Kes, Upper Norwood on 8:28pm Sun 11 May 08
I agree with Jock. Methinks Gareth is splitting hairs and that's being kind to him. I don't know what Gareth does for a living but I'm happy to take a bus driver's side on this matter.
I agree with Jock. Methinks Gareth is splitting hairs and that's being kind to him. I don't know what Gareth does for a living but I'm happy to take a bus driver's side on this matter.
Posted by: John Brogan, Merton on 10:29am today
It's quite simple. If you touch this can again I'll put my ciggy out on your eye. Now where are you going, scumbag? Oh great, now half of it's on the floor. Who are you?! This country!
It's quite simple. If you touch this can again I'll put my ciggy out on your eye. Now where are you going, scumbag? Oh great, now half of it's on the floor. Who are you?! This country!
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