Tony Blair's ministers distanced themselves yesterday from a scheme to prevent passengers drinking alcohol on trains, buses and planes after police, train companies and rival politicians poured scorn on the proposal.

Faced with a leaked paper from last month's brainstorming session with No 10's "respect" team at Chequers, the Home Office confirmed that a ban - which could include domestic flights - was one of a range of proposals being considered. "Nothing has been ruled in or out at this stage. A paper will be published shortly outlining our proposals," a statement said.