alcohol on trains
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alcohol on trains
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Here in Scotland it has been announced that the consumption of alcohol on trains is to be banned between 21:00hrs and 10:00hrs: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-18930963 But I see no reason
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Forums » Off duty » News & media » alcohol on trains
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alcohol on trains
posted at 23/7/2012 12:27 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 1271
First: 13/4/2010 Last: 23/5/2013 |
Here in Scotland it has been announced that the consumption of alcohol on trains is to be banned between 21:00hrs and 10:00hrs: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-18930963 But I see no reason why people should be allowed to drink alcohol on any train at any time, anymore than they should be allowed to smoke (which they are not). Most train journeys are short - the average trip length in the UK is about 7 miles. The longest non-stop rail journey in the UK is Euston to Preston - 219 miles in just 2 hours and 8 minutes. The overnight sleeper from Scotland makes several prolonged stops which is why it takes so long to get to London. I'm sorry but anyone who cannot manage a couple of hours on a train (or a plane for that matter) without alcohol needs their head examined. You are not allowed to drink alcohol on the station platform or on the street outside the station so why should the train itself be any different? Oh, and I should declare my interest - I am not teetotal and I am a GP with special interest in drug and alcohol problems. Every single train journey I have taken in the last 2 years has been disrupted by someone under the influence of alcohol, including on more than one occasion, police coming on to the train to remove a passenger (which in one case led to a 40 minute delay in the middle of the day!). |
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Re: alcohol on trains
posted at 23/7/2012 4:17 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 2059
First: 12/3/2010 Last: 23/5/2013 |
I know exactly what you mean, Steve, as I travel that Euston to Preston line occasionally, and have been diverted via Manchester so that the Railway Police can arrest members of the Preston North End Supporters club who were mayhemming onboard. But the last time I did, I happend to be in a coach most of which had been reserved for a school party. The kids were not badly behaved, but as kids are they were noisy, several got very excited and vomiting occurred from that. Not a drop of alcohol passed their lips, but I had as unpleasant a three hours as I would in the company of the North End Crew. Teachers are saints. This is another example of how the selfish acts of a few deprive the rest of us of a harmless pleasure, and in this case a relaxation after a hard day at the conference-face. 'Tis pity if it's so. John |
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Re: alcohol on trains
posted at 23/7/2012 5:01 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 311
First: 7/5/2009 Last: 2/4/2013 |
In Response to Re: alcohol on trains: I think the best idea would be to ban selling of alcohol as well as cigarettes on trains completely. Posted by yoram chaiter Good suggestion. I agree
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Re: alcohol on trains
posted at 23/7/2012 5:23 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 135
First: 25/5/2011 Last: 23/5/2013 |
My declaration of interest is that I love drinking and spending time in pubs but, sadly, I have to fully agree with the implementation of this measure. In some pubs which I frequent, the regulars address strangers as "Sir" and refer to them in conversation as "this gentleman." Sadly, good manners such as these, intended to ensure bonhomie and the best of order at all times, are ony displayed in a minority of drinking situations and generally amongst an older age group. Unfortunately the realities of our modern word being the lack of respect for others and the overwhelming feeling of self-importance and entitlement amongst "the great unwashed" have resulted in the consequences that once these people start drinking, their use of foul language, rough talk and a perfect disregard for others around them is now accepted behaviour - by them. Thus, sexualised language and swearing in front of children effortlessly slips out at full volume in train carriages and an aggressive, outraged and argumentative stance is immediately assumed, with the threat of violence barely concealed, should any dare to question their right to free expression when disinhibited by drink. It is a great pity that things have come to this, but in the absence of inner restraint, external means will have to be introduced to guide adult behaviour in public. I would rather wait until I could get to a good pub after ending my journey for a drink than to ever have to endure another episode of being delayed until the Police could remove a particularly unpleasant drunk from a train that I was I once on in the early afternoon. It is quite unaccepable that it should be regarded as in any way excusable to be drunk, a condition in myself that I freely admit to having induced by my own hand, when amongst sober people and children. I have often used the example of how wrong it would be to go shopping with a pint of beer in my hand and how no child should be encouraged to think that it is "normal" to drink or become drunk as a grown-up. That so many now drink so much in the middle of the day is a worrying trend. It would have been far better to have kept drinking in pubs, where from an early age a drinker's behaviour could be modelled with the wise counsel of the older generation and a good landlord. Rationally, the next step will have to be to start warning people that they may not be allowed to board or travel further on a train if deemed to be under the influence of drink as evidenced by disinhibited speech or behaviour that might offend others. This should include, in my view, the unwanted singing of mindless football songs or chants or loud swearing when on a mobile phone. Otherwise a total ban on trains will surely follow. My ideal option on a long journey would be an allocated bar carriage as the penultimate carriage on a train in which one could consume alcohol, but not then take drink into the main train - like a local pub. And then, of course, a smoking carriage at the very end. People nowadays, it would appear, need teaching that there is both a time and a place for these activities and that they must either behave responsibly or face severe sanctions. I suspect this measure will soon be widespread in the UK and will eventually lead to a total ban. Like antisocial smokers before them, these people will not be told and will simply refuse to modify their behaviour on a voluntary basis. |
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Re: alcohol on trains
posted at 23/7/2012 7:43 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 959
First: 15/7/2011 Last: 21/5/2013 |
I traveelled to Manchester for a very complex case review. I arrived in Manchester at 0730, had my meeting at 0900 and it finished at 1800 it was a very long and detailed meeting. I was absolutely shattered, it was a red hot day and I was thirsty. I have never drunk alcohol on a train but in the buffet car I really fancied a cold beer. When people drink on trains to me it looks uncouth (forgive my snobbery). I bought a pint of lager and went to a seat with all 3 other seats occupied. I removed my jacket, rolled up my sleeves, poured a cool beer, had a nice slug placed the can down and it fell over leaking lager all over a passengers notes. She was an accountant as it turned out. I tried desperately to mop up the mess and again knocked over my plastic glass which went down my trousers. By now everyone was watching me. They must be thinking this guy has an alcohol problem and I hope he doesnt sit with me. Having finally cleaned up I had abougt 2 sips left in my glass. Having seen people viewing me like an alcoholic and dripping alcohol from my trousers I sat in silence for the remaining 2 hours. It was very embarrasing. I very rarely drink anything, in fact hardly ever. Dont drink on a train as it is unnecesary, as said before if you cant wait a couple of hours for a beer then you might need help. |
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Re: alcohol on trains
posted at 23/7/2012 8:50 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 2059
First: 12/3/2010 Last: 23/5/2013 |
Kirked, Your experience learn from, young Judicili. You a little paper carrier bag buffet car gives - it is just the usual not, everywhere else, useless offer of a plastic bag that you get, purpose, it has. Stiff enough to sit up on its own, the bag is. In the bag, keep the can. Drink from the can, use a glass do not. Two purposes, this has. First, any careless gesture towards it, the bag first will meet. To the Judiciali reflexes early warning, allow time for them to take effect and arrest the gesture, that should. This will work not, of course, after three cans. Second, if too far is tipped, end up in the bag most will, your blushes saving and to enjoy it from the bag allowing you. Tastes nice sucked from the hankie, not. Much to learn, you have, young Judiciali, of travel on the iron way. Hmmmmmmm. Yohn |
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Re: alcohol on trains
posted at 24/7/2012 8:24 AM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 959
First: 15/7/2011 Last: 21/5/2013 |
In Response to Re: alcohol on trains: Kirked, Your experience learn from, young Judicili. You a little paper carrier bag buffet car gives - it is just the usual not, everywhere else, useless offer of a plastic bag that you get, purpose, it has. Stiff enough to sit up on its own, the bag is. In the bag, keep the can. Drink from the can, use a glass do not. Two purposes, this has. First, any careless gesture towards it, the bag first will meet. To the Judiciali reflexes early warning, allow time for them to take effect and arrest the gesture, that should. This will work not, of course, after three cans. Second, if too far is tipped, end up in the bag most will, your blushes saving and to enjoy it from the bag allowing you. Tastes nice sucked from the hankie, not. Much to learn, you have, young Judiciali, of travel on the iron way. Hmmmmmmm. Yohn Posted by John D John this happened several years ago and I have refrained from drinking alcohol on any train, when I got home my wife said I smelt like a brewery!! |
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Re: alcohol on trains
posted at 25/7/2012 9:36 AM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 3
First: 5/11/2010 Last: 25/7/2012 |
This (bad) situation has been greatly aided by the massive scam pulled off by the drinks industry and their political allies, like David Cameron - all day drinking. Did anyone seriously belive that this was going to reduce excess or overall alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour? Or that we were going to turn into continental drinkers? No - it was alll about expanding business, more sales and more profit. I love Adrian Leahy's point about his local pubs setting a good example for responsible drinking and polite behaviour. It is the same in my local, away from the town centre bars and mayhem, where people enjoy their real ale for the taste and have a real community spirit. This is an exemplar for Cameron's Big Society, but of course those were empty words too, weren't they? Instead of supporting Britain's unique local pubs and breweries, the government continues to raise taxes on alcohol with little discrimination between these gems and the big supermarkets, lager mutlitnationals and town centre bars. Result? Several local pubs close every week, supermarkets declare profits in £billions and we wait for the next batch of riots. Cheers! |
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