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Boris slaps drink ban on Tubes and buses
Pippa Crerar, City Hall Editor07.05.08
Alcohol will be banned on Tubes and buses from next month in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour, Boris Johnson announced today.
The new Mayor will change the rules of carriage to prohibit drinking and carrying open containers of alcohol on the transport network from 1 June.
Mr Johnson and Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy were today unveiling information posters advising passengers of the ban, which will cover trams, the DLR and station platforms.
The ban was a key manifesto pledge in the Tories' mayoral campaign.
The alcohol ban comes amid reports that the man who cleaned up the streets of New York is to help mastermind Mr Johnson's crime strategy.
US police chief Bill Bratton will advise the new Mayor on how "zero tolerance" of graffiti, fare-dodging and other minor crimes can prevent serious offending.
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.
"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. That's why from 1 June the drinking of alcohol will be banned from the Tube, tram, bus and Docklands Light Railway.
"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."
During the election campaign Mr Johnson claimed many Londoners were afraid of taking the Underground at night because of aggressive drunks.
His "get tough" approach came after the Standard revealed that 40 per cent of violent crime in London is alcohol related and that some London A&E units are treating twice as many drunken patients as they did before the 24-hour drinking laws.
Mr 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." The ban chimes with David Cameron's promise to fight back against social breakdown and is further evidence that the capital will be a test-bed for a future Tory government's policies.
The Conservative leader has committed his party to a zero-tolerance strategy modelled on New York. Mr Cameron says he would increase the number of police on the streets and concentrate on low-level disorder which can lead teenagers into a life of crime.
The Mayor's alcohol ban was also welcomed by alcohol charities.
Don Shenker, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said: "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."
Mr Johnson has also proposed the creation of up to 100 weekend "respect schools" to help troubled teenagers.
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Reader views (39)
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Banning alcohol on buses who going to enforce this us the drivers?
We have enough trouble with kids who travel for free at all hours of the day and night. The only way to control crime or reduce it is bring back the old system where by after a certain time kids pay adult fares.
Bendi buses what a waste, I have driven these buses and all I took in oyster fares was £3.60 which means only 4 people bother using their cards (suppose thats not bad considering I only did an 8 hour shift)no wander people call this the free bus.
Boris Johnson should start taking away routes from companies who run them badly and start to listen to us drivers.
- Trevor, london
It's about time. Few other capitals allow drink (and food!) to be consumed on public transport.
- Jp Floru, Westminster, London
I do find it strange that the ban only applies to tubes and buses. Maybe the fact that most train companies sell alcohol themselves on board (at very over inflated prices) has something to do with it.
As GMS says the biggest problem with drunks on the underground is people who have been out for the night drinking already, not the poor folk who don't finish work till 11pm and enjoy a single drink during their otherwise depressing journey home.
- Paul, London, UK
