Airports face curb on hours for drink sales

AIRPORTS could be forced to follow normal licensing hours in a bid to crack down on drunken and disruptive behaviour.

Under current rules, the sale of alcohol beyond the security gates at international airports in England and Wales is not regulated.

But the Home Office has launched a review to consider whether high street laws should be extended into departure halls.

This would see airport pubs, restaurants and duty-free shops forced to delay selling alcohol until 10am.

Prison

A survey by the Unite union of 4,000 cabin crew has previously found that 87 per cent of staff from British-based airlines witnessed drunken passenger behaviour at UK airports or on flights from here in August 2017.

Travellers can face up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine for drunken behaviour on an aircraft.

The move has already been backed by the House of Lords. The Government is asking the public for views in a three-month consultation.

Home Office Minister 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 flights. Most UK air passengers behave responsibly when flying.

“But any disruptive or drunk behaviour is entirely unacceptable.”

She said the travelling environment should be “safe and enjoyable”.