Government reject consultation to extend the Licensing Act 2003 to airside in Airports

Following pressure from the airline industry to combat alcohol-related disruptiveness on airplanes, the Government in 2018 issued a call for evidence as to whether the Licensing Act 2003 should be extended to cover premises selling alcohol in the airside section of Airports.

The Licensing Act 2003 currently does not require premises airside, at most international airports, in England and Wales to obtain a premises licence to serve alcohol.

This week in a statement to the House of Commons, Home Office minister, Kit Malthouse announced that the Government had decided not to extend the requirement for a premises licence to airside. In his conclusion, he stated:

“The Call for Evidence did not generate enough new evidence to show that lifting the exemption on airside premises from the Act would be a proportionate way to address the issue of drunk and disruptive passenger behaviour.”

The full government response can be seen here – Summary of responses and government response – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you have any queries, contact licensing solicitor Felix Faulkner at f.faulkner@popall.co.uk