Drinking in public

Social customs and laws on drinking alcohol in public vary significantly around the world. "Public" in this context refers to outdoor spaces such as roads, sidewalks or parks, or in a moving vehicle.

England and Wales
Drinking in public is legal in England and Wales – one may carry a drink from a public house down the street (though it is preferred that one request a plastic glass to avoid danger of breakage and because the taking of the glass could be considered an offence of Theft as only the drink has been purchased), and one may purchase alcohol at an off-licence and immediately begin drinking it outside. Separately, one may drink on aeroplanes and on National Rail trains, either purchasing alcohol or consuming one's own.

In certain public places, one may be required (requested) to stop drinking. It is not illegal to drink in these areas, contrary to popular misconception, but, in these areas, if requested by police to stop drinking, one must (may) then stop drinking and surrender the alcohol, both open and closed containers. These are formally known as Designated Public Places Orders (DPPOs), and were allowed by The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (CJPA); they are more popularly known as 'Controlled Drinking Zones' (CDZs).

Following the election of Boris Johnson as mayor of London, the conditions of carriage on most modes of London public transportation (specifically those operated by Transport for London - buses, London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and more recently, the Emirates Air Line (cable car)) were updated to ban the carrying of open alcohol containers and the consumption of alcohol. This does not apply to non-Transport for London commuter services, including National Rail and Thames Clippers. This was supported by those who felt it would decrease antisocial behaviour, but opposed by those who argued that alcohol relieved the discomfort of a commute. The end of drinking on public transport was marked by some festivities, particularly on the Circle Line, as this allowed one to be on public transit without going anywhere – rather, going in a circle (subsequent changes to this line have introduced a terminus preventing circular travel).

Scotland
The City of Edinburgh allows the consumption of alcohol in public places but under the Edinburgh by-law, anyone drinking in public would have to stop if asked by police. In the Strathclyde region that includes Glasgow the consumption of alcohol in public places has been illegal since 1996. Breaking this law can mean a fine. This ban was enforced due to the increase in drink-related violent crime.