Boris Johnson today unveiled plans to ban alcohol on public transport in the capital, the first key manifesto pledge to be carried out by the newly elected Mayor.

From June 1, passengers on London tubes and buses will be removed if they carry open containers of alcohol.

Mr Johnson, during a visit to High Street Kensington underground station, heralded the measure as an opportunity to cut out “unpleasant and antisocial” behaviour on public transport.

“I firmly believe that if we drive out so called minor crime then we will be able to get a firm grip on more serious crime,” he said.

“Too many people have the unpleasant experience of sitting opposite someone swigging a can of lager.”

The pledge to ban alcohol will be carried out by Transport for London staff and police officers. Their only means of enforcement will be to remove passengers who do not comply.

Mr Johnson hopes to change the transport by-laws by the end of the year so that drinking alcohol becomes a criminal offence, punishable by a fine.

In the meantime, there are concerns that the plan is not enforceable, with top transport officials admitting they would never have an official in every carriage or on every bus.

The alcohol ban is one of a series of measures planned by Mr Johnson in a bid to increase security and reduce antisocial behaviour on public transport. Posters informing travellers of the ban will now go on display.

Don Shenker, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, welcomed the move.

“Public drinking and the behaviour sometimes associated with it can, and does, deeply affect people’s ability to enjoy public spaces. Taking a firm approach to public drinking in this way sends a strong message that public drunkenness is socially unacceptable.”

Peter Hendy, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “I am sure that cutting out boozing on public transport will be welcomed by our passengers and staff.”

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