Time to apply common sense to airside drinking for sake of passenger safety

February 1st, 2019

Responding to the Government consultation on the introduction of airside licensing at UK airports, which closes today, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents 13 UK carriers, said:

“Whilst airlines do not want to stop passengers enjoying a pint or glass of wine at the start of their holiday the sale of alcohol needs to be responsible. We want to see common sense prevail and ensure bars and retailers airside come under the jurisdiction of the Licensing Act – simply applying the same rules as on the high street.

“It is the alcohol consumed or bought in the airport that is the most common causal factor (more than half) of disruption in the air and unfortunately the number of incidents continues to rise and each incident poses a safety threat. That’s why we’re asking Ministers to intervene by accepting the recommendations in the House of Lords Licensing Committee report and removing this outdated exemption.

“Simply bringing the airports in line with the high street would protect passenger interests while reducing the number of disruptive incidents and making flying safer and more enjoyable for all.”