A study by Holiday Extras found that the number of people drinking in airports has increased over the past three years.
According to the study, the number of travellers drinking alcohol at the airport increased from 31% in 2015 to 42% by the end of 2018. The number of people consuming between four and eight units of alcohol has doubled, from 5% to 10% in the same time.
The news follows the government launching a consultation on changing the rules for the sale of alcohol at airports in England and Wales. As part of this consultation, the Home Office is exploring the impact of applying the 2003 Licensing Act to airports. This could result in an end to the extended drinking hours available to passengers.
Seamus McCauley of Holiday Extras said: ?Following the government?s consultation announcement in November, we wanted to revisit some of our past research to explore how airport drinking habits have evolved. As a company, we specialise in helping customers make more of their holidays by minimising hassle. The airport experience can be an incredibly important part in setting the tone for any trip, so we were keen to know more. A rise in the number of people drinking at airports needn?t be an issue if those drinks are enjoyed responsibly. However, it is concerning to see excessive airport drinking becoming a more common issue in just three years.?
