A BAN on drinking alcohol on ScotRail trains will continue “for the time being” while bosses “hear what passengers think” about the policy.

The rail operator barred travellers from consuming alcohol on board its trains during the Covid-19 pandemic.

David Simpson, service delivery director, said the move had been “successful particularly in containing some of the anti-social behaviour alcohol could often generate on some services”.

However, he said the stance would be considered as part of “national conversation” on rail services going forward.

Mr Simpson, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme, said: “We’re really keen to hear what passengers think about the alcohol ban, how successful that has been, how we might reintroduce it in a way that keeps passengers safe, keeps our staff safe, and manages it in the most effective way moving forward.”

ScotRail has been “working hard with British Transport Police to enforce” the ban, he added, although he accepted that “there is obviously always going to be people who flout these types of regulations, and that can be very frustrating if the behaviour is not good”.

This work will continue “given that the ban will continue for the time being,” he said.

But when asked if it could be made a permanent feature, Mr Simpson stated: “I wouldn’t like to comment on that, I doubt it will be permanent.

“We want to make sure we have covered all the bases before we lift it and we have taken into account passengers’ views to make sure where alcohol is consumed it is done so safely and appropriately on people’s journeys.”

We took to the streets of Glasgow to ask what you think of the current ban.

Glasgow Times:

Nathan Dunsmore, 24, from Greenock, said: “I can see it from both sides. 

“People can get pretty rowdy on the last few trains home and that can upset a few people. 

“But, at the same time, it’s nice to have a drink on the train and people have been trusted before so I can definitely see it being either way.”  

Glasgow Times:

Becky Edgar, 81, from the Gorbals, said: “ I object to alcohol on trains because it interferes with the passengers, and I don’t believe that it should be allowed.” 

Glasgow Times:

Similarly, Tony Deeley, 62, who has lived in Glasgow for more than 20 years, is against the ban being lifted.  

Mr Deeley said: “I think the alcohol ban should stay in place. It’s the same with drinking alcohol in public, there’s no difference in my point of view.  

“So, yes, I would agree with the ban.”  

Glasgow Times:

Additionally, John McLarty, 20, from Knightswood, objected to the lifting of the ban due to health and safety dangers.  

He said: “I’d say the ban should stay in place because when you’re under the influence of alcohol your stability and ability to think things through is limited.  

“And falling onto train tracks would be a very dangerous position to be in especially when you’re intoxicated.  

“So, yes, I do think the ban should stay.”