Airport drinking could be curbed

IN total, 13 arrests overall were made in the airport and six on or beside aircraft, according to the data and incident logs released by West Midlands Police under the Freedom of Information Act. The Government is considering scrapping round-the-clock drinking in airport bars by extending high street licensing laws, which would mean no alcohol before 10am.

Under current rules, drink sales beyond security gates at international airports in England and Wales are not regulated by these laws.

The Home Office launched the review on November 1, with a three-month call for evidence.

A spokeswoman for Birmingham Airport said: “Birmingham Airport works closely with its on-site police, concession partners and airlines to ensure that passengers behave responsibly before travelling. The airport fully supports the ‘One Too Many Campaign’ which was unveiled this summer, which raises awareness to passengers to encourage them to fly responsibly.

“The campaign has been deployed throughout the airport and social media to remind passengers of the airport and the police’s zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behaviour from passengers. We are working closely with our airline partners on the One Too Many initiatives, making the airport a safe and friendly environment for all.

“Additionally, it is against our byelaws for passengers to consume duty-free alcohol before they reach their final destination; there are a number of notices around the airport, our duty-free store and bars to remind passengers of this.

“While disruptive passenger incidents are still relatively rare at Birmingham Airport, we do have a duty of care to our passengers and with the enforcement of the campaign, we can now ensure that we are clearly communicating in line with the aviation industry guidelines.”