Drinks party before Tube booze ban

The ban, announced earlier this month by new London mayor Boris Johnson, applies to the Tube, London buses, Docklands Light Railway and tram services and stations across the capital.

From Sunday drinking from - and carrying - open containers of alcohol will be banned.

Unions have attacked plans for the drinks party which is due to be held on a Circle Line train, with websites telling revellers to bring their own cocktails.

The ban was one of Mr Johnson's key manifesto commitments and information posters advising passengers of the ban have been carried across the transport network.

Mr 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. The ban has the full support of the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police.

"I firmly believe that banning the drinking of alcohol on London's public transport will create a better travelling environment for all Londoners and that if we drive out anti-social behaviour and so called minor crime then we will be able to get a firm grip on more serious crime."

Jeroen Weimar, chief operating officer of surface transport in London, said: "Passengers fully supported the smoking ban on the Tube and buses when it was introduced some years ago and I am sure they will be on board with this change which is designed to make travelling around this capital a safer and more pleasant experience."

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said it was "irresponsible" to organise a party when alcohol played a part in many incidents on the Tube.

The union's general secretary Bob Crow added that the ban on alcohol on Tube trains was "half-baked" and could put staff in greater danger of assault.