JD Wetherspoon chairman Sir Tim Martin has publicly opposed Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary's suggestion that airports should enforce a two-drink alcohol limit for passengers. O'Leary, known for his provocative statements, argued that early-morning drinking has become a significant challenge for airlines, leading to disruptive behavior on flights.
Sir Tim Martin's Response
In an interview with The Times, Sir Tim Martin dismissed the proposal as unworkable, stating that implementing such a limit would require breathalyzing passengers. He emphasized that Wetherspoon's airport pubs are highly regulated to prevent excessive drinking and that the company has never been blamed for passenger misconduct on flights.
Challenges of Implementation
Sir Tim noted that many flight disruptions originate from passengers who have been drinking before arriving at the airport, not necessarily at airport bars. He called the two-drink limit an overreaction and stressed the importance of maintaining good behavior both at airports and onboard aircraft.
Current Regulations and Penalties
In the UK, being drunk on a plane is a criminal offense, punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and two years in prison. Unlike other alcohol-serving venues, airport bars are exempt from restrictions on opening hours. Ryanair has taken a hard line against disruptive passengers, pursuing legal action to recover costs from flight diversions caused by unruly behavior.
Recent Incidents
A French court recently convicted two passengers for causing disruption on a Ryanair flight from Stansted to Ibiza, which was diverted to Toulouse. They received suspended prison sentences and fines totaling over €10,000. In another case, Ryanair filed a lawsuit in Ireland seeking €15,000 in damages from a passenger whose behavior forced a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to divert.
Industry Perspectives
The debate highlights tensions between hospitality businesses and airlines over alcohol-related disruptions. While O'Leary advocates for stricter controls, Sir Tim Martin argues that existing measures are sufficient and that a blanket limit would be impractical and unfair to responsible passengers.
