London Mayor’s Drinking Ban Comes Into Effect

One of Boris Johnson’s election promises was to ban the consumption of alcohol (and the carrying of open containers of alcohol) on London’s Tube and Bus network.  The ban came into effect at midnight last night.

Members of social networking sites including (but not limited to) Facebook have been linked to the organisation of Tube parties on the Central and Circle lines as a final ‘farewell’ to booze on the Tube, leading to some violence, line closures and 17 arrests.

I agree with the law.  Traveling on the transport network can be uncomfortable enough without having to sit across from somebody swaying with a can of cheap cider in their hand and waiting for them to vomit their kebab all over your ‘Sorry mate, can’t let you in with those on’ shoes.

Yes, this does punish those who consume alcohol sensibly on public transport which is unfortunate.  But, not unlike the new anti-smoking laws, it is something that is not difficult to adhere to.

There are, unfortunately, always people who will behave like idiots and there is no excuse for abusing Underground staff and police (yes, even bus drivers who see you at the door just as they’re closing and ignores your polite knocking) as happened last night.

The incidents from last night’s Tube party made the news as far away as Australia on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation website (www.abc.net.au).

Is it Boris Johnson’s fault that people carried on like fools last night?  Not directly.  The penalties have not been actively promoted as part of the awareness campaign about the ban which surprises me.  The introduction of the law seems rushed and could perhaps have been better handled by the Mayor’s office.

Have a read of the article from this link and leave a comment about what YOU think of the ban (you may have to copy and paste the link into your browser):

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4043853.ece

I’m surprised that it has taken this long to ban alcohol consumption and open alcohol containers from some parts of the transport network.  I’m interested to know what you think.

Mr. Mithen