I can't addess the Sierra's experiences, since I was never out there, but going back to our operation in Maryland, I learned to be wary of groups arriving aboard charter busses. Often they had a rolling party going long before the train was in sight, and we kept an eye on anyone staggering off the motorcoach.

I think someone discovered an obscure state law that permitted the conductor to remove any intoxicated passenger from the train at a public grade crossing, provided there was a house within sight. Fortunately for our neighbors, not to mention our reputation, such tactics were never required.

Alan Maples

Speaking as the former Insurance Manager for a NRHS Chapter in Michigan, keep in mind that the insurance environment is quite different for an operator that owns the RR (such as Napa Valley) vs. one that doesn't (such as NRHS Chapters). In our Chapter's insurance policy it specifically forbade serving alcohol, or passengers possessing alcohol. I assume we could have purchased insurance that allowed alcohol on the train, but it would have cost a lot more. Investigate how much your insurance coverage will increase if you serve alcohol, or if you can even purchase such insurance.

Chris .

Puffing Billy Railway:

Luncheon train - groups may choose the "Gourmet" option which includes two glasses of wine along with a packed lunch eaten on board. Bar service is available for all travellers at additional charge.

"The Night Train" - wine and dine outing. Appetizers and drinks served on the train going towards a meal at an online venue. Buffet meal, with full beer and wine service with dinner. Coffee, dessert and port served on the return trip.

These brochures are a few years old, things may have changed since.

dave

We have always included alcohol as part of the service package in the first class section on our excursions over the years. On the Port Jervis trips we included wine and beer in the luncheon menu and cocktails and snacks on the return leg. We charged $250/seat (which virtually eliminated kids,which we hoped would happen in first class) and these 100 seats were always the first to sell out.
Many were repeat riders and we never had any serious issues with over drinking etc. We made sure that each of the 4 first class cars had at least one member of the service team who had experience serving alcohol and he/she kept a good eye on things.
The 1100 seat coach section was strictly alcohol free although during the 3 hour layover at Pt. Jervis a good number of the coach patrons availed themselves of one of the many pubs in town.
Our insurance policy contained an alcohol rider which cost only a nominal amout to have added to the policy.
Ross Rowland

Found this today and had to laugh and share. From the pen of the great "VIP", or Virgil Partch.