We have been asked many times why we do not permit alcohol on the Trust coach travel that we organise. The answer is simple. It is against the law!
The law is very specific, the act is the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985
You can click the link HERE to see the full act and its explanations, but below we have copied the relevant section, which clearly sets out our responsibilities. Indeed, the section refers to all PERSONS who organise public transport and to the Operator who allows their vehicles to be used. There are no exceptions!
Offences in connection with alcohol on coaches and trains. (See this specific section HERE)
(1)This section applies to a vehicle which—
(a)is a public service vehicle or railway passenger vehicle, and
(b)is being used for the principal purpose of carrying passengers for the whole or part of a journey to or from a designated sporting event.
(2)A person who knowingly causes or permits [F1alcohol] to be carried on a vehicle to which this section applies is guilty of an offence—
(a)if the vehicle is a public service vehicle and he is the operator of the vehicle or the servant or agent of the operator, or
(b)if the vehicle is a hired vehicle and he is the person to whom it is hired or the servant or agent of that person.
(3)A person who has [F1alcohol] in his possession while on a vehicle to which this section applies is guilty of an offence.
(4)A person who is drunk on a vehicle to which this section applies is guilty of an offence.
(5)In this section “public service vehicle” and “operator” have the same meaning as in the M1Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 1(2)(3) substituted (24.11.2005) by Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17), s. 201(2), Sch. 6 para. 97(a) (with ss. 2(3), 15(2), 195); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2(2); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2(2)
We hope that this has made the Trust’s position very clear and clarified the situation in which, at times, “some” thought we were being overly fussy.