British Transport Police wants people to have a good time, particularly around the festive period, but our advice is not to overdo it. Here we have compiled some guidance to make sure that everyone can travel in safety and comfort.

1. Safety

Although it is a good idea to take public transport rather than drive, if you are drunk you are at risk to yourself and others. The railway environment is full of potential hazards – platform edges, escalators and moving trains can all cause serious injuries. And, if you stumble or fall on an escalator or platform, someone else may pay the price.

2. Crime / loss

If you fall asleep or are not fully aware of what is going on around you, you are more likely to be the victim of a crime. It is also much easier to mislay your wallet or handbag. Staff and passenger assaults tend to increase during the festive period - many are alcohol fuelled.

3. Anti-social behaviour

Your right to a good time stops when it affects other people’s comfort and safety. What you may think is harmless partying, can be intimidating for other passengers. Everyone has the right to travel without the fear of intimidation or being hassled. Be aware that it is an offence to be drunk on a train and that you can be refused travel under the railway byelaws.

4. Driving

If you do drink and plan to drive your car at the other end of your train journey, be aware that it doesn’t take a lot to put you over the limit and alcohol takes some time to be metabolised.

5. Dry trains

On dry trains you cannot consume or carry alcohol on board. Some trains are declared dry under the railway byelaws and where this happens, notices are put up in advance to warn passengers. Working with Merseyrail, we have trialled this policy on specific days in the run up to Christmas for the safety and comfort of passengers.

Special trains going to designated sports events have to be dry under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985. BTP is not in favour of banning alcohol on all trains across the entire rail network. Alcohol brought on trains does not generally cause a problem. People being drunk before they travel does.

6. Alcohol on public transport

Transport for London introduced a system-wide ban on drinking or carrying open containers of alcohol on 1 June 2008. Passengers cannot use the network if they are carrying open containers of alcohol or drinking alcohol. This is stated with the conditions of carriage which can be viewed here. BTP uses the current legislation and byelaws to support the control of alcohol on the rail network.

7. Fixed penalties

BTP officers have been able to issue Penalty Notices for Disorder for alcohol offences and drunkenness since 2006. To find out more go to Penalty Notices for Disorder.