Early morning airport booze ban mooted by the Government
Airports could be banned from selling alcohol early in the morning under new rules being considered by the Home Office.
The UK Government is asking the British public for evidence and views on whether tighter laws would help tackle the problem of drunk and disruptive passengers.
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 three-month call for evidence comes after a rise in reports of drunk and disorderly airline passengers.
A survey by Unite of over 4,000 cabin crew working for British-based airlines in August 2017 found that 87% of respondents reported witnessing drunken passenger behaviour at UK airports or on flights from UK airports.
Phil Ward, managing director of Jet2.com, welcomed the move.
"There is no reason why alcohol sold in airports should not be done to the same rules and standards that apply on the high street, and the introduction of sealed bags for alcohol items purchased in Duty Free provides a simple practical solution to prevent the illicit consumption of duty free alcohol on board the aircraft," he said.
"The majority of people get into the holiday spirit without overdoing it, but a minority can unfortunately spoil it for everyone else, which is why we want to protect everybody from the problems that alcohol-related disruptive behaviour causes."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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