Airline Passengers: Violent and Disruptive Behaviour

HL Deb 11 February 1999 vol 597 c40WA

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ask the working group on airline passengers' violent and disruptive behaviour to consider the desirability or otherwise of providing free on-board alcoholic drinks to airline passengers. [HL919]

Loard Whith

The Government take the problem of violent and disruptive behaviour by airline passengers very seriously; it is not only very unpleasant for other passengers but also has the potential for putting the safety of the aircraft at risk. The first task of the working group is to establish a system to obtain reliable data on the scale and probable causes of disruptive behaviour. Once we have this information, we will be better placed to consider what action, if any, is necessary. However, it is already an offence to be drunk on board an aircraft, and airline must ensure that their staff are adequately trained to ensure that passengers do not become drunk.