IT WILL soon be illegal to drink alcohol on buses across the borough.

The booze ban – which will also target people carrying open alcohol containers – is to be enforced on all capital routes from June 1.

It is one of the first policies to be unveiled by London’s new mayor Boris Johnson, and will also cover the Tube, DLR and trams.

Mr Johnson said: “I’m determined to improve the safety and security of public transport in London and create a better environment for the millions of Londoners who rely on it.

“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.”

The ban, supported by the Met and British Transport Police, is designed to make travelling on the capital’s public transport system more pleasant.

Don Shenker, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, welcomed what he called a “culture change”.

He said: “Taking a firm approach to public drinking in this way sends a strong message that public drunkenness is socially unacceptable and will support both the public and transport staff.”