Proposal to ban drinking on buses and trains draws flak |
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Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:05
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LONDON - Prime Minister Tony Blair's proposal to ban drinking on commuter trains and buses is facing a lot of flak, but the British Transport Police has strongly supported this move.
The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Times have both carried the leaked plans of the discussions that took place in Downing Street last month. The Tories though are of the opinion that the Blair government has gone a step too far this time.
"Alcohol-fuelled violence on trains and on other public transport is caused by people drinking too much in pubs and clubs. The news of these proposals is very surprising and seems like another example of the Labour nanny state going completely over the top," said shadow culture secretary Theresa May.
Instead of this ban, May wants the Labour Government to rethink "their controversial plans to allow 24-hour drinking."
This proposal to ban drinking on buses and trains is a part of a list of 40 proposals that include allowing "councils to seize the private homes of people convicted of serious anti-social behaviour offences." Former health secretary John Reid said that these proposals by the government were balanced, "It is right that people should be able to have a civilized drink at whatever time they want, but it is right also that people should be responsible about not being abusive on buses and other places," he said.
But a Home Office spokesman refused to comment on the leaked documents, "As part of the respect agenda we are considering a whole range of proposals. Nothing has been ruled in or out at this stage."
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