Wetherspoons has reacted with fury after Ryanair called for a new departure lounge rule that would limit alcohol consumption at airports. The pub giant, which operates at Birmingham Airport (BHX) and other UK airports, argues that a two-drink limit would be impractical and an overreaction.
Ryanair's Proposal
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary told The Times that his airline is forced to divert almost one flight per day on average due to disruptive passengers fueled by alcohol. He proposed a limit of two alcoholic drinks per passenger per airport, enforced using boarding passes. O'Leary also called for a ban on alcohol sales outside standard licensing hours, criticizing airports for profiting from early morning and delay-time sales while airlines bear the consequences.
Wetherspoons' Response
Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin stated that implementing a two-drink limit would be “extraordinarily difficult, short of breathalysing passengers” and described it as an overreaction, noting that many problems stem from incoming flights. The company emphasized that a significant proportion of alcoholic drinks ordered in its airport pubs come with meals, and that these venues are “highly supervised” environments.
Wetherspoons also agreed with O'Leary that the issue is worse on incoming flights from certain destinations with less stringent airport controls. The pub chain operates at Birmingham Airport, where passengers routinely stop for pre-flight drinks and meals.
The debate continues as Ryanair, competing with Jet2 and TUI, pushes for stricter alcohol regulations at airports across the UK.
