Responding to the news that the British Medical Association’s (BMA) annual conference has voted against calls for a blanket alcohol ban on public transport, a spokesperson for the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said:

“It’s good news that the BMA has voted against a proposal to have an outright ban of alcohol on trains.

“The BMA is right to want to crack down on irresponsible drinking, but introducing a blanket alcohol ban on trains would be unnecessary and a step too far.

“The vast majority of passengers who choose to drink alcohol do so responsibly. A complete ban would unnecessarily penalise the many for the irresponsible behaviour of the few.

“Operators know how to strike the right balance between allowing passengers to enjoy a drink or two and the need to control irresponsible behaviour that affects other people on trains, where they already restrict alcohol to reduce anti-social behaviour.

“One of the advantages of train travel is being able to enjoy a glass of wine or beer with a sandwich during a long journey to visit friends and family, or relaxing with a drink after a long day at work.”