The chief executive of JD Wetherspoons has responded to the remarks made by the CEO of Ryanair, who suggested that alcohol should not be served at UK airports during early morning hours. Tim Martin, the founder of the pub chain, criticized Michael O’Leary’s proposal, stating that it would necessitate breathalyzing passengers at airports and labeling it as an exaggerated measure.
On the other hand, Mr. O’Leary, the head of the budget airline, claimed that nearly one flight per day is diverted due to unruly passengers fueled by alcohol. He emphasized that many of these passengers consume alcohol in airport bars for extended periods before boarding flights, advocating for a ban on early morning alcohol service and a two-drink limit thereafter.
Mr. Martin argued against the two-drink limit, citing the challenges of enforcement without breathalyzing passengers and deeming it an excessive response, especially since most issues originate from incoming flights. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good behavior both at airports and during flights.
Furthermore, Mr. Martin stated that their customers have never been implicated in flight disruptions and highlighted that Wetherspoon pubs in airports are closely monitored with stringent policies to prevent excessive drinking.
While airside bars in the UK are exempt from the usual alcohol serving hour restrictions, being intoxicated on a plane is considered a criminal offense, punishable by fines and imprisonment. Despite incidents of disruption related to alcohol consumption at airports, there have been no calls to restrict alcohol service on flights, including those operated by Ryanair.
Recent disruptions include a passenger who was jailed for causing a disturbance on a Ryanair flight from Poland to Bristol. Additionally, Ryanair applauded a French court’s decision to convict two disruptive passengers on a flight diverted from Stansted to Ibiza, imposing fines and suspended prison sentences.
Mr. O’Leary reiterated his stance on limiting alcohol service at airports, questioning the necessity of serving alcohol early in the morning and advocating for restrictions outside licensing hours.