London transport drink ban enrages Facebookers

Chris Gaynor

Facebooker's are fuming at the latest ban to hit London. From June 1, it will be illegal to drink alcohol on London's transport network.

But sly Facebookers said they were determined to get around the ban one way or another.

One of them said on the popular website that the government could not do anything if drink was concealed in a hip flask - or mixed in a bottle of lemonade or pop.

Last year, smoking in pubs, clubs and restaurants across England and Wales was banned.

The plans come as part of new London Tory Mayor Boris Johnson's announcement last week that he would deliver his key manifesto commitment of banning alcohol on tube, bus, Docklands Light Railway, and tram services and stations across the capital.

Drinking from and carrying open containers of alcohol will be banned, making the tube a safer and more pleasant experience for passengers, he claimed.

The Mayor joined London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, to unveil information posters advising passengers of the plans, which will be displayed on the Transport for London network.

Johnson, said: "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. 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."

"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.”

Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, said: "We are already working closely with Boris Johnson and his team to improve safety and security on the transport network. I am sure that cutting out boozing on public transport will be welcomed by our passengers and staff.”

Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said: "We welcome the decision to ban drinking on all Transport for London modes. Public drinking and the behaviour sometimes associated with it can , and does, deeply affect people’s ability to enjoy public spaces.

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.”

British Transport Police Chief Superintendent Miles Flood said he welcomes the measure to prohibit the consumption of alcohol on Tube trains and stations.

"This will help us deal proactively with those who engage in unsafe and antisocial behaviour, which is a key priority for BTP," he said.

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