A LOCAL councillor is heading to an unusual party tonight to make a stand against a booze ban on public transport.

Councillor Jon Ball (Lib Dem, Ealing Common), is attending a party on the Circle Line organised as a protest against Mayor of London Boris Johnson's controversial ban which starts tomorrow.

Several parties have been organised through social networking website Facebook, with thousands of people saying they plan to attend.

Cllr Ball said: "There is a genuine problem with alcohol on public transport, but the ban is not going to provide any sort of solution, it is just a headline-grabbing move.

"The rail unions are up in arms as they fear it will cause more conflict between tube staff - who will have to enforce these measures - and drinkers. It is just an illiberal move."

One of the planned parties will see people dressing up in evening wear and serving cocktails.

Cllr Ball continued: "I'm sure all these events will be good-natured as people aren't out to cause trouble.

"If nothing else, it will get people talking on trains."