Airport Clampdown On Drunken Passengers leads to fall in arrest figures

We have previously reported on campaigns introduced by Airports,  to try and reduce the number of alcohol related incidents and arrests at airports.

New figures have revealed a fall in arrests in 2018/19 compared to the previous year;

• 117 people arrested on planes in 2017/2018 compared to 87 people in 2018/2019 – a 25% reduction.
• In both Gatwick and Glasgow the number of arrests almost halved.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said:

"There is no credible reason we've heard - other than commercial gain - why airport bars and duty free are not licensed in the same way as any pub or restaurant on the high street.

"Likewise, why are duty-free shops still able to sell miniature bottles of alcohol, including at the airport gate? We know miniatures are sold for one reason only - to encourage immediate consumption, including on the plane."

The Government have been carefully monitoring evidence in this area, with some people calling for greater regulation of Airport Alcohol sales to be considered.

The House of Lords Select Committees review of the Licensing act 2003 also commented  in response to drunken behaviour on planes. It had recommended that the airside exemptions for the licensing of UK international airports should be revoked.

We will keep you updated as to any developments.

If you have a business selling Alcohol at a UK Airport, you should call our specialist Licensing team on 0114 266 8664 for further advice.