Three Fingers Of Glenlivet...

London's subway system was engulfed by thousands of revelers last Saturday night, marking the introduction of an alcohol ban on the mass transit network.

Authorities were forced to close six stations on the network, including major transportation hubs at Liverpool Street, Baker Street and Euston. Much of the disorder concentrated on the Circle Line, which encircles the center of the city.

Web programmer, David Mudkips, 25: "Like rush hour but fun. There were people's sweaty armpits in my face but I didn't care because I was drinking."

Student Frankie Abbott, 21: "It might be fun to do the whole night but I think it's going to get a bit messy. There are guys drinking from funnels already."

Sailor Peter Moore, 35: "Drunken, I just downed a can of beer in 10 seconds. It's sweaty on there but I'm going round and round until I vomit."

"At first the atmosphere was happy but anarchic, defiant," he said, with people wearing hats and having a good time.

As the journey progressed, more heavily drunk people joined the train, he added. "When it pulled in to Embankment people fell out and carried on fighting on the platform. Thankfully police were there, and they handled it very well."

Many of those gathered had learnt of the party on social networking Web sites, through groups with names such as "Circle Line Party - Last day of drinking on the tube", which had 850-plus members listed by Saturday lunchtime, and "Party/Flashmob on the Underground", with 1,300-plus names listed.

The anti-drinking strategy was introduced by newly elected London mayor Boris Johnson. The ban has the full support of the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police.