Alcohol will be permitted once more on Scottish trains, Transport Scotland has decided, with the lifting of an alcohol ban that has been in place since November 2020. From 2 June 2025, ScotRail passengers will be allowed to drink alcohol on board between the hours of 10:00 am and 9:00 pm, in a return to pre-pandemic conditions of travel.
The government’s latest annual Programme for Scotland, published in early May, set out the change to drinking rules. The move is seen by some as the national transport agency’s response to widespread criticism of the ongoing 24-hour-a-day alcohol ban – a “last legacy” of COVID that many deem challenging to enforce, ineffective in reducing incidents, and, in any case, largely “ignored” by passengers, according to rail union RMT.
ℹ️ Please note our alcohol ban remains in place.
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) June 25, 2023
🚫 No alcohol can be consumed at any station in Scotland or on board any ScotRail train at any time of day.
🚫 You can't carry visible alcohol – open or unopened on ScotRail services. pic.twitter.com/aHnOdhGbW7
Targeted measures instead of a blanket ban
Speaking to The Independent, a ScotRail spokesperson said only a minority of passengers behave inappropriately, and often the people in question are already drunk before they get on the train.
Therefore, instead of the blanket ban, “a meaningful and practical approach to tackle anti-social behaviour” would be found through working collectively with frontline staff, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said. Customer-facing staff are being offered “enhanced conflict management training”.
Meanwhile ScotRail said “new regulations that focus restrictions more effectively on particular times and locations” would be introduced. While the target neighbourhoods and scenarios are yet to be confirmed, some have speculated that alcohol restrictions could remain in place around mass sporting events or popular gigs.
Latest update on the lifting of the @ScotRail alcohol ban and efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour on #ScotlandsRailway.
— Transport Scotland (@transcotland) May 9, 2025
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/Itjr2Qve5C pic.twitter.com/9OUm6yHJEg
Safe train travel for all
In addition, work would address “unacceptable behaviour targeting women and girls.” Travel Safe teams have been created to support customers and staff on trains and stations, as well as “help points”, and the installation of CCTV.
“We know that safety and security are key factors in making the decision to use rail services, especially in the evenings, and we are determined to make travelling by train feel safe for everyone, especially women and girls, alongside railway staff,” ScotRail explained.
The relaxation of the ban and the focus on effective responses to anti-social behaviour are supported by both major rail unions, RMT and ASLEF. RMT said rail workers “face threats and assaults on a daily basis” and welcomed “any efforts” by ScotRail and the Scottish Government to address anti-social behaviour on trains and on railway property.
The union also called for “active consideration of how legislation can increase protections for rail workers, including stronger punishments for perpetrators.”
