World | UK

Johnson and unions clash over drink ban

The new Mayor has clashed with unions for the first time over his plans to ban alcohol on public transport.

  • Evening Standard
  • Published: 00:43 May 9, 2008
  • Gulf News

London: The new Mayor has clashed with unions for the first time over his plans to ban alcohol on public transport.

In his first big policy announcement on Wednesday, Boris Johnson promised that the "cultural shift" on drinking would improve safety and security.

From 1 June passengers can be ordered off Tubes, trains, the DLR and buses if they are caught with a can or bottle. He said: "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."

Johnson said: "Too many people have the unpleasant experience of sitting opposite someone swigging a can of lager."

But because a law has not yet been passed, British Transport Police will have no powers to fine passengers for about a year.

An extra 440 police community support officers, another election pledge, will help enforce the ban.

Next to impossible

But the RMT is concerned the measures would put staff at risk. Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, said: "Perhaps the Mayor will come out with his underpants over his trousers like Superman one Saturday to show us how it should be done, and maybe tell a crowd of Liverpool supporters that they can't drink on the train."

Johnson also hopes the new conditions will be "self-policing", similar to the smoking ban. Transport for London said the ban could not be applied to trains on the national network, dealing another blow to the new Mayor's plan. A spokesman for Department for Transport added: "Train companies already have powers to deal with any antisocial drinking on trains."

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

Related Articles

  1. Boris begins stint with liquor ban

    Boris begins stint with liquor ban

    Mayor begins stint with liquor ban

UK

  1. Tough love moulds young minds best

  2. Wanted man sends in replacement photo

  3. Two British ticketholders share £90m jackpot

  4. Mum dies trying to save son from blaze

  5. Meeting the Queen with pen tucked behind ear!

  6. Brown under fire over Afghanistan policies

  7. Politician could get time in prison after admitting expenses scam

  8. Call for scientific advisers to be free from interference

All articles in United Kingdom

More from World

Gulf News
Popular in World

More from world

News Editor's choice