Wetherspoons CEO Defends Airport Drinking Amid Ryanair's Call for Limits

Tim Martin, CEO of Wetherspoons, has addressed concerns about pre-flight drinking, emphasizing the pub chain's proactive measures to promote responsible alcohol consumption at airports. This statement comes in response to Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's CEO, advocating for a two-drink limit per passenger at airport bars to reduce disruptive behavior on flights.

Martin revealed that Wetherspoons eliminated "shooters" and two-for-one alcohol promotions from their airport menus several years ago. He stated, "We've had no complaints about our pubs from the airport authorities or airlines that I'm aware of in recent years." This approach contrasts with Ryanair's practice of offering discounts on double orders of Irish whiskey.

Analyzing recent sales data, Martin disclosed that over the past four weeks, alcohol accounted for only 33% of sales at Wetherspoons' airport locations. Soft drinks, tea, and coffee made up 25% of sales, with food purchases comprising the remainder. Notably, coffee sales, including free refills, are approximately equal to lager sales at these venues.

Wetherspoons maintains a significant presence at major UK airports, including:

• The Windmill pub at Stansted Airport (Ryanair's largest base)
• Three outlets at Gatwick Airport
• Two locations at Heathrow Airport

Most of these establishments are situated post-security, catering to passengers preparing for their flights.

O'Leary identified four airports - Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh - as particularly problematic for in-flight rowdiness. However, Wetherspoons currently operates only in Edinburgh among these locations, having closed several outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Martin emphasized the advantages of supervised alcohol consumption in a controlled environment, noting that all Wetherspoons premises are equipped with CCTV for easy identification of problematic drinkers. He also suggested that evidence points to most instances of drunkenness and violence occurring on inbound flights, implying lax controls at overseas airport bars rather than in the UK.

"Pubs are not the only places in airports that serve alcohol and all venues, including lounges and duty-free, have a duty to act responsibly."

Nicholls added that the majority of passengers can responsibly enjoy pre-flight refreshments. However, Ryanair reported a surge in in-flight violence during the summer of 2024, with weekly incidents including assaults on cabin crew and physical altercations between passengers.

O'Leary attributed these issues to a combination of alcohol and "powder and tablets," particularly on flights to popular party destinations like Ibiza and certain Greek islands. In response, Ryanair has implemented measures such as searching passengers' bags before boarding Ibiza-bound flights and prohibiting water bottles in carry-on luggage to prevent concealed alcohol.

As the debate continues, the aviation and hospitality industries are working to strike a balance between passenger enjoyment and safety, while addressing the complex issue of alcohol-related disruptions in air travel.