Humza Yousaf refuses to commit to lifting booze ban on ScotRail services

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Humza Yousaf has refused to commit to lifting the booze ban on ScotRail services. The SNP leader said during First Minister's Questions today that a decision was still to be made on the issue.Passengers on the country's biggest railway operator were previously allowed to consume alcohol before 9pm - and could also purchase drinks on certain mainline services.

But transport bosses used Covid as a reason to ban booze on the network in November 2020 - and have since refused to end the restriction despite other lockdown rules being scrapped.It was revealed last year that ScotRail, Transport Scotland and the British Transport Police wanted the ban to be lifted - but were overruled by the Scottish Government.Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden asked the First Minister to provide an update on the situation during FMQs.

He also accused Yousaf of "penalising law-abiding Scots".Yousaf replied: "Firstly, I should acknowledge that there are quite a wide range of views on this very issue.

My priority is ensuring that ScotRail services are safe, are enjoyable for all users and staff. But specifically women and girls where we know of the role that alcohol often plays in making women feel unsafe."That's why the transport minister has asked that officials at Transport Scotland engage with the British Transport Police, ScotRail, ScotRail Holdings, Transport Focus, amongst other organisations to ensure that all views on continuing the alcohol ban on ScotRail trains are given due consideration and all impacts are indeed assessed."Following a meeting last month we've also written to trade union leaders asking for their views on the issue.