Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has reaffirmed that an airport alcohol ban is already in place, dismissing the need for new restrictions on alcohol consumption at airports. The founder of JD Wetherspoon responded to calls by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary for tighter controls on airport drinking. Sir Tim Martin stated that there have been no complaints from airport authorities or airlines about Wetherspoons’ airport pubs in recent years. He mentioned that Wetherspoons no longer serves shots and has stopped offering ‘double-up’ deals. In comparison, Ryanair provides a discount on Irish whiskey for double orders.
According to Sir Tim, most instances of in-flight drunk, violent, or antisocial behavior occur on flights inbound to the UK. Ryanair highlighted Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh airports as particularly problematic, while Wetherspoons operates three pubs at Gatwick, two at Heathrow, and one at Stansted, all except one located beyond airport security and monitored by CCTV.
In response to concerns raised by Mr. O’Leary about a rise in disorder on flights, he suggested implementing a two-drink limit on passengers to address increased antisocial behavior and violence. Mr. O’Leary expressed difficulties in identifying intoxicated passengers at the gate, particularly when boarding in groups. Crew members and other passengers have reportedly become targets of delays due to disruptive behavior fueled by alcohol and other substances.
Mr. O’Leary cited examples of increased aggression and challenges in managing inebriated passengers, calling for stricter controls, especially evident on flights to party destinations like Ibiza. He highlighted the complexities airlines face in monitoring passengers’ alcohol consumption and behavior during flights. The debate continues over the appropriate measures to ensure the safety and peace of air travel amidst rising concerns over in-flight disturbances involving alcohol.