Vertical Markets

Airport pub consultation

by Mark Rowe

The UK Government is asking for evidence and views on whether introducing alcohol licensing laws at airports in England and Wales could help tackle the problem of drunk and disruptive passengers. Sales of alcohol by pubs, bars, restaurants, lounges and shops beyond the security gates at international airports in England and Wales are not regulated by licensing laws. This means that rules intended to stop sales to drunks or prevent irresponsible promotions do not apply to them.

Home Office Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability Victoria Atkins said: “Air travel often marks the start of an exciting holiday abroad and airports are places to eat, drink and shop as we wait to board our flights. Most UK air passengers behave responsibly when flying, but any disruptive or drunk behaviour is entirely unacceptable. This Government is committed to ensuring that the travelling environment for airline passengers remains safe and enjoyable.”

The consultation runs until February 1. It comes after the House of Lords Select Committee recommended in a 2017 report that due to a rise in reports of drunk and disorderly airline passengers, airside outlets that sell and supply alcohol to air travellers should comply with the same licensing rules as elsewhere. As the committee put it, ‘incidents occurring on flights are notorious, sometimes requiring flights to be diverted, and more often than not such incidents are the consequence of alcohol consumed airside before the flight’.

Comment

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Millions of us enjoy a drink at airports as a relaxing way to start a hard-earned break. Any new measures to tackle the minority of disruptive passengers must therefore be proportionate and not penalise the responsible majority. Although imposing the full Licensing Act on airports may be unnecessary and overly restrictive, there is much more airports and airlines can do to help tackle disruptive passengers.

“Best practice training for outlets selling alcohol at airports is an option. I know several airports are already doing this and are seeing a positive impact as a result. As demonstrated elsewhere in the sector, partnerships are the best way forward. Schemes such as Best Bar None, which promotes responsible management and operation of alcohol licensed premises, could easily be adapted to an airport setting. The BBPA is already working with a number of airports and will continue to do all we can to ensure that alcohol is sold in a responsible way.”

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