The ban on drinking alcohol on trains should either be fully enforced or scrapped a Glasgow MSP has said.

Currently, it is not permitted to drink alcohol on ScotRail trains but many including unions want it lifted.

John Mason, Shettleston MSP, said he had seen passengers openly defying the ban and staff not attempting to enforce it.

READ NEXT: New £1bn plan to deal with Glasgow's housing emergency

He asked the Transport Secretary, during questions in the Scottish Parliament, if she had details of compliance with the ban.

Mason said: “Clearly, the ban is not being enforced. ScotRail does not like it and its staff refuse to do anything with it.

“They joke with passengers who are drinking alcohol and make no effort to stop them.

“British Transport Police does not agree with the ban either and says that it cannot be enforced. Surely we either have to remove the ban or do something to make it enforceable.”

Fiona Hyslop, transport secretary, said it was a dilemma but violence against women and girls had to be considered as well.

READ NEXT: Bellshill shop owner says minimum unit pricing has increased thefts

She said: “That is why I am actively looking at the issue. Tackling and preventing violence against women and girls and wider antisocial behaviour has to be the main focus.

“That was made clear to me in the message that I received from the round-table session on women’s safety on public transport that I held on 6 December last year. “

Hyslop added:  “All rail unions, ScotRail and British Transport Police are of the view that the ban perversely undermines focus on compliance with what is acceptable or not acceptable behaviour and want the ban lifted.

“However, we also have the public messaging about alcohol to consider, which is why I am actively discussing the issue with my Cabinet colleagues.”

Graham Simpson, Conservative transport spokesperson, said: “Is it not time that she makes a decision and removes the ban?”

Hyslop said there were differing opinions on the ban.

She replied: “There is a genuine dilemma. I think that everyone in the chamber will have a different view on the issue.

“I know that some of my predecessors have different views on it, and I have to bring everyone together.

“However, I am very conscious that, if we have something that is not working, we have to fix it. I intend to do that.”