Alcohol query on Northern Rail

[Smelly_Diesel]

I was on the Mid Cheshire Line heading towards Chester this afternoon and about a group of 6 males and 8 females were openly drinking various beers and spirits in mid afternoon. The guard did pass...around 5 times up and down the train and did nothing. I understand if there was a rule to uphold, he wasn't going to tackle 14 drunk people single-handed but I just wondered if Northern have an alcohol ban, how well is it inforced?

 

[185]

No ban.

Bans can only be enforced if the a dry train rule is organised (eg footie, concerts) or on some areas where the local company introduced a ban (Merseyrail, Metrolink, total ban).

Not a lot can be done unless they become unruly or intefere with other passengers, which is likely to be a breach of one or more of the Railway Bylaws.

And before you ask, no, I won't be the one to snatch their beercans off them

 

[Yew]

I was on the Mid Cheshire Line heading towards Chester this afternoon and about a group of 6 males and 8 females were openly drinking various beers and spirits in mid afternoon. The guard did pass...around 5 times up and down the train and did nothing. I understand if there was a rule to uphold, he wasn't going to tackle 14 drunk people single-handed but I just wondered if Northern have an alcohol ban, how well is it inforced?

British Railway bylaws do not prohibit the consumption of alcohol on trains, unless advertised in advance for example on footbal match days,, However there is a 9pm limit on scotrail, and signs on the Robin Hood line state a 24/7 ban. However I imagine in the last two examples, common sense will be used on the part of the guard.

If someone is in an unfit state to be on the railway, then a member of staff can remove them (and even ask them to get rid of their beer?) However, I imagine if there where 14 of them, then a lone guard might think twice before taking darastic action.

 

[trentside]

If someone is in an unfit state to be on the railway, then a member of staff can remove them (and even ask them to get rid of their beer?) However, I imagine if there where 14 of them, then a lone guard might think twice before taking darastic action.

Yes, I have previously reported someone I considered to be a danger to himself and others to a member of staff, who promptly called the BTP and had him removed from the station. He'd taken several attempts to get through the barriers, then over the footbridge and tried to kick his way onto a train that was locked out of service. He didn't appear to have any comprehension of where he was or where he wanted to go.

With Police back up, it's not a problem - but a lone guard isn't going to want to cause problems for themselves, especially when there aren't rules or bylaws to prevent drinking of alcohol on the railway (with some exceptions) - as the OP doesn't say the people were rowdy or causing problems, I don't see an issue really.

 

[telstarbox]

Some specific late trains in Northernland are 'dry' as advertised on posters. I think one of the Carlisle-Newcastle services?

 

[DarloRich]

I was on the Mid Cheshire Line heading towards Chester this afternoon and about a group of 6 males and 8 females were openly drinking various beers and spirits in mid afternoon. The guard did pass...around 5 times up and down the train and did nothing. I understand if there was a rule to uphold, he wasn't going to tackle 14 drunk people single-handed but I just wondered if Northern have an alcohol ban, how well is it inforced?

There is no ban (other than in specific circumstances) and from what you have said there doesn't seem to have been an issue.

Awful that people might want to enjoy themselves. Although i have often felt the need to have a pint before travel on a pacer!

 

[Yew]

Although i have often felt the need to have a pint before travel on a pacer!

I fear that would put you at serious risk of throwing up

 

[bnm]

Certainly not wise to drink from a pint glass ON a Pacer. Unless you like wearing your beer of choice!

 

[Anon Mouse]

Some specific late trains in Northernland are 'dry' as advertised on posters. I think one of the Carlisle-Newcastle services?

IIRC its the last Newcastle to Carlisle the last Whitby to Middlesbrough, the last Newcastle to Darlington and the last Middlesbrough to Newcastle (I'm open to be corrected)

On TPE the last two York to Middlesbrough's on a Saturday night have a plonk ban too.

On the Tyne and Wear Metro there is also a complete alcohol ban, but due to the nature of the system and some of the areas it passes through I'm yet to see it fully enforced!

 

[Marton]

IIRC ... the last Whitby to Middlesbrough...

Only on Saturdays

the Esk Valley Beer and Music trains are running again on Fridays this year. last week it was doubled with a 142 added to the 156

 

[WL113]

I was on the Mid Cheshire Line heading towards Chester this afternoon and about a group of 6 males and 8 females were openly drinking various beers and spirits in mid afternoon. The guard did pass...around 5 times up and down the train and did nothing. I understand if there was a rule to uphold, he wasn't going to tackle 14 drunk people single-handed but I just wondered if Northern have an alcohol ban, how well is it inforced?

Were the passengers consuming "beers and various spirits" causing you or any other passengers any problem? If they were then you had every right to report this to the guard. If however they were not causing any problem then by nature I do not see what the problem is?

 

[Anon Mouse]

Only on Saturdays

the Esk Valley Beer and Music trains are running again on Fridays this year. last week it was doubled with a 142 added to the 156

oh thats good news, hand pulled beers too?

 

[Smelly_Diesel]

Were the passengers consuming "beers and various spirits" causing you or any other passengers any problem? If they were then you had every right to report this to the guard. If however they were not causing any problem then by nature I do not see what the problem is?

Apart from being very loud...can't say they bothered me much. I feel kind of
bad for having the temerity to ask the question I ask. I mean, it's a free
country, not everyone wants to sit on a train with 14 very loud drunk people
for nearly an hour when I have indeed been admonsihed by a guard before
for a darn sight less than getting wasted (I hasten to add, this is not a tirade
against Northern). Honeslty, don't why I bother sometimes...

 

[yorksrob]

Well, IMO loud people are always annoying on trains but unless they're creating a problem you can't really do anything.

 

[RPI]

the 2021 Weymouth-Bristol is a dry train on Saturdays as advertised at the stations.