I want to pay tribute to our train crew volunteers who recently had to deal with 3 youths who were acting like yobs and causing alarm with other passengers with their drunken behaviour.
Two of the three people concerned have been identified and they will be written to by the General Manager, notifying them of a banning order from the ELR. They have also been requested to advise the third member of the banning order. This information will be passed onto all Heritage Railways.
Whilst we can’t guarantee this sort of behaviour will not occur in the future, further changes are being put in place to assist our volunteers by seeking a revision to our Conditions of Carriage making it a requirement that passengers provide proof of identity, upon request to do so by a Company Officer. This provision will be publicised across the railway and via most, if not all, of our publicity material.
In future, any Beer-Ex services that operate will be accompanied by a Security Industry Association (SIA) card holder with the specific duty of identifying and dealing with unruly behaviour and for supporting our train crew when situations do arise.
Instructions will be issued to staff about the summoning of the Police if such situations are identified.
End
Chairman's Blog 
Unfortunately the youths involved are known for this behaviour being banned from several other railways for similar acts especially one who can be considered a bit of a ringleader, whose behaviour was first faulted on a line in the cotswolds from which they are also barred.
It is an example of behaviour that is starting to get out of hand in the preservation movement, and it is commendable that the ELR is taking such a firm stance against such acts and is an example for other lines to follow.
Perhaps all lines should now take the stance that this is not acceptible behaviour in any circumstances and harsh measures will immediately befall those acting in such fashion in future.
Unfortunately harsher measures were not taken against these induviduals in their early days which might have steered then from the course which led them to this regrettable event especially as those with the responsibility to do so in those days were not firm enough where it was needed .
All Credit to the ELR for their actions in this incident and foresight to alter procedures to prevent reoccurrences of this sort of thing in future, well done
It’s something we all need to stand against as it has no place in our hobby and those that think it does and is acceptible should be additionally expelled from the hobby as an example that it should not be tolerated so agai well done to the ELR management team for leading the way .
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Matt,
Thanks for your support. As with all public services, it only takes a few to spoil it for the majority. We will continue to pursue a zero tolerance policy. Our recent action to ban these individuals will, I hope, send out a clear message, that if you travel on the ELR, behave yourself
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Well said sir. Your staff (whether paid or volunteer) should not have to deal with this.
Obviously you know that 99% of visitors would never behave thus.
Keep up the great work. Hope to visit again with my son very soon.
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James,
Thanks for your support. As with all public services, it only takes a few to spoil it for the majority. We will continue to pursue a zero tolerance policy. Our recent action to ban these individuals will, I hope, send out a clear message, that if you travel on the ELR, behave yourself!
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