A BAN on drinking or carrying alcohol on ScotRail trains after 21.00 has come into force, after a 'soft' trial period. The new clampdown will not affect the Caledonian Sleepers, nor cross-border trains operated by CrossCountry, East Coast and Virgin.

The new rules mean that 'visible' alcohol cannot be taken on to trains, even if the containers are sealed, between 21.00 and 10.00. On-board catering staff will call 'last orders' at 20.30. Passengers who are drunk will also be refused entry to trains.

The ban is more extreme than the restrictions on some other systems, such as London Underground. Although there is a 24-hour alcohol ban on all Transport for London services, only open containers are affected.

However, ScotRail said although the ban is theoretically total, in reality staff would use 'common sense', and it is advising passengers to keep alcohol bought on a shopping trip packed away out of sight. There are no plans for random searches of bags.

British Transport Police have supported the move. ScotRail said police have dealt with at least 260 incidents on Scottish trains in the past six months in which alcohol was a factor.

ScotRail managing director Steve Montgomery said: “Customers should be able to travel in a safe and friendly environment.

“It’s time to call a halt on the irresponsible minority who spoil journeys for the majority. These individuals disrupt services, abuse staff and fellow customers, and cause accidents.”