Boozing Brits Go Down the Tube

Thousands of drunken revelers filled London's subway last night to christen a new law, against drinking on the subway. One partier called it "boisterous but friendly," although police nabbed at least 17 and shut down two stations, the London Times reports.

The ban marks the biggest tube crackdown since smoking was outlawed 2 decades ago. Mayor Boris Johnson hopes the move will cut crime and improve transportation; 80% of Londoners agree, but one official has called the ban “half-baked.” (More London stories.)