New steps to curb booze at airports

BARS and restaurants at airports could be forced to apply for a licence if they want to continue to sell alcohol.

The measure is being considered in an effort to combat drunken behaviour on flights.

Licensing laws that prevent the sale of alcohol to drunk customers or outside permitted hours do not apply to outlets once passengers have cleared security.

Airlines say this ‘airside’ exemption encourages binge drinking.

Today the Home Office is expected to issue a ‘call for evidence’ on whether airside bars and restaurants should be licensed.

The Civil Aviation Authority says there were 417 reports of disruptive passengers last year, up from 195 in 2015.

Extending the licensing laws would not necessarily mean an end to early morning or late night drinking at airports.

But it would mean the bar or restaurant would have a ‘designated premises supervisor’ – a manager who would need a personal licence.

Some airlines have resorted to running ‘dry’ flights, or suspending the sale of alcohol for part of the journey. Cabin crew are also refusing to hand over duty-free alcohol purchased on board to drunk passengers.

In a separate move, the Department of Transport is considering plans to force retailers to put duty-free alcohol in sealed plastic bags.