Lord Ahmad, the UK's new aviation minister, has announced a review of alcohol sales at airports, aiming to prevent drunk passengers from boarding aircraft. The move follows the release of figures showing 442 individuals were arrested on suspicion of being drunk on a plane or at an airport between March 2014 and March 2016, obtained via Freedom of Information requests.
Despite the headline figure, the number represents just 0.00018% of the 251 million passengers who passed through UK airports in 2015. However, the minister argues that even a small number of incidents can compromise safety in the confined space of an aircraft.
Airport bars currently operate outside normal licensing laws, allowing them to sell alcohol around the clock. Critics say this, combined with widespread promotions and duty-free sales, encourages excessive drinking. Research suggests increased availability and promotion of alcohol lead to higher consumption.
The review will examine whether airport bars should be subject to the same responsible marketing practices as other licensed venues. It coincides with the release of the UK Aviation Industry Code of Practice on Disruptive Passengers, which recommends tighter controls on alcohol sales.
While alcohol can cause loss of control and aggression in some individuals, researchers note that most drinkers do not become violent. Establishing a direct causal link between alcohol and air rage remains challenging, but the government is pressing ahead with measures to ensure passenger safety.
