ScotRail pandemic legacy alcohol ban is 'unenforceable'

THE controversial alcohol ban imposed on ScotRail passengers by the SNP is unenforceable, a senior transport executive has admitted.

- By Richard Elias

Brought in five years ago during Covid-19 to combat the spread of the disease, the ruling has remained in place ever since.

The reason given for the ban is that it reduces anti-social behaviour.

It means hard-working Scots returning home or people on day-trips have been unable to purchase or consume alcohol on any ScotRail service.

But now the nationalised firm’s managing director has told MSPs that there is no evidence that the ban has been accompanied by a drop in violence on board trains.

Speaking to Holyrood’s Transport Committee, Joanne Maguire admitted that official guidance to staff was not to stop people from drinking as there was no legal basis for them to do so.

She explained: “The alcohol ban is a matter for Scottish Government.