ScotRail have announced their trains will remain alcohol free zones.

The suggestion resulted from the Scottish Government’s National Conversation on Rail which began during April this year as the Scottish Government took over ownership of Scotrail.

MSPs, rail unions, and members of the public were invited to discuss the future of Scotland’s rail services as the government seeks to create an improved service.

In April, Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “It’s clear that much work still needs to be done – and in a collaborative way - to ensure the long-term sustainability of rail operations in Scotland, to best meet the needs of the people we all represent.

“I want to kick-start a National Conversation about what our new beginning for ScotRail should look like - an affordable, sustainable, customer focused rail passenger service in Scotland in a post pandemic world.

“I also take the issue of women’s safety on public transport extremely seriously and we will be consulting with women and women’s organisations across the country to better understand their experiences and how we can improve our public transport system to make it safer and more enjoyable for them to use.”

Since the ban was initially put in place in November 2020, ScotRail customers have been unable to drink alcohol or carry alcohol visibly on Scotrail trains at any time of the day.

The ban also allows ScotRail staff to refuse boarding to passengers who are deemed unfit to board a train through alcohol.

ScotRail said the ban was originally enforced to try and ensure as many people as possible adhered to rules on physical distancing and the wearing of face coverings.