It has been reported in the press that 500 people have been arrested while drunk on a plane at British airports in the last three years.
For many people a holiday begins once cases have been checked in, and what is the harm in that?
It is clear that drunkenness has become an issue. The government has been asked to take steps to address licencing in airports, especially as the airport bars are currently exempt from certain restrictions.
Airlines are also taking action in an attempt to reduce the risk. As an example, on some flights you may be prevented from taking any alcohol on board in hand luggage to assist airline staff in controlling levels of alcohol consumption.
What are the alcohol laws at airports?
Regular licensing laws do not apply at airport bars located on the airside of security.
In November 2018 the government consulted on a proposal that these bars be subject to the same licensing rules as bars outside of airports. As yet, however, no new legislation has been introduced.
What is being done?
The UK airline industry voluntary code of practice adopts a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour. Signatories to the Code work together to prevent and minimise incidents, the commitments cover the sale and consumption of alcohol. In essence, to mimic the regular licensing laws by, for example, not selling alcohol to intoxicated clients. The Code, however, is a voluntary one.
The ‘One Too Many’ campaign aims to reduce airport drunkenness with 20 airports using the campaign to alert passengers to the potential consequences of drunken or disruptive behaviour.
What are the potential consequences?
The campaign refers to passengers deemed unfit to fly and denied boarding, prison sentences, fines for causing a deal or causing a mid-air incident requiring a diversion and an airline ban.
What offences could be committed?
Although the figures that have been obtained are for detained persons noted to be intoxicated, the actual offending could vary.
Offences that can be committed include being drunk on an aircraft, possession of a dangerous article, smoking onboard, endangering the safety of an aircraft and acting in a disruptive manner.
Could I go to prison?
The simple answer is yes. The courts have said that being drunk on an aircraft will usually result in an immediate custodial sentence even for someone of previous good character. To commit an offence of being drunk on an aircraft a person simply has to be drunk, they do not also have to be disruptive. The offence can be dealt with at the Crown Court and carries up to 2 years imprisonment, the same penalty applies to people acting in a disruptive manner on an aircraft or endangering the safety of an aircraft.
Other offences may not result in imprisonment, but financial penalties can be imposed.
Being drunk may result in you being denied boarding, and the subsequent loss of a holiday, so even if not arrested there may well be a high price to pay.
Does it depend if I am on a UK airline?
The UK has jurisdiction to deal with any offences committed on board any aircraft on the ground, or in the air, over the UK. There are also international conventions that mean offences committed in the skies anywhere are subject to a local jurisdiction – it is complicated and hopefully you will never have to worry about the legal nightmare that will unfold if you are arrested in a foreign jurisdiction.
How we can assist
If you need specialist advice in relation to any criminal investigation or prosecution, we welcome you to get in touch with our dedicated team. Call on the local numbers at the top of this screen or send your enquiries through to our online contact form.
