Exact times ScotRail passengers can drink booze on trains from next month as ban axed
A tipple on the train will soon be a possibility for people travelling on ScotRail services this summer and beyond
Scots heading for a boozy brunch in Glasgow or a rugby match in Edinburgh have thus far been met with tight restrictions when it comes to drinking alcohol on ScotRail services. But that is all set to change from next month.
Many will be happy to know that a tipple on the train will be possible in just a few weeks' time following the announcement from Transport Scotland that the longstanding ban on alcohol on ScotRail trains will be lifted.
The axing means passengers can drink between certain hours of the day - but when will the curb be lifted, what are the exact rules around cracking open a can on the train, and what hours can you indulge in a spritz or two?
Here's what commuters should know.
When will ScotRail's booze ban be axed?
The ban on alcohol on ScotRail services will be lifted on Monday, June 2.
This misses the spring bank holiday in Scotland, which takes place on Monday, May 26, by a week.
What hours can you drink between on ScotRail trains?
It's been agreed that passengers will be able to consume alcohol on trains between 10am and 9pm.
Are more rules being introduced?
There is no word from Transport Scotland that alternative rules or restrictions around consuming alcohol on train services will come into effect.
However, the transport body has warned that "other restrictions may apply, as determined by ScotRail and BTP, in certain circumstances such as large sporting events or concerts."
Large-scale events happening across the country this summer that will see people travel by rail include the Edinburgh Fringe, TRNSMT, Oasis at Murrayfield, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and the Highland Games.
Transport Scotland also insisted that the working group monitoring the move will review "the enforcement powers regarding antisocial behaviour on Scotland's railway to ensure swift action can be taken again persistent offenders."
A spokesperson added: "The Working Group will map and assess current enforcement powers and their effectiveness, with a view to considering where these can be strengthened or developed further."
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said she understood fears of anti-social behaviour on trains across the country.
She added: "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.'
When was the alcohol ban introduced and why?
Alcohol was struck from ScotRail stations and trains in November 2020 "to support Scottish Government public health measures" amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The 24-hour-a-day ban meant no alcohol could be drunk at any station in Scotland or on board any ScotRail train at any time of day.
Passengers could not openly carry alcohol - open or unopened - and could even be stopped from boarding trains if they were "deemed unfit to do so," i.e, if they showed "specific signs of intoxication."
The decision to lift the curb was made in First Minister John Swinney 's Programme for Government last week.
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