Vernon Kay and Jeremy Vine debated a new proposoal by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary who suggested that early morning drinking in airports should be banned after he revealed actions his airline had to take regularly
BBC radio presenters Vernon Kay and Jeremy Vine clashed live on-air over one of the big stories of the day.
Earlier this week, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said that airports should ban early-morning drinking, saying that his airline has to divert one flight a day because of disruption caused by boozy passengers. Bars in airports are not subject to the same licensing restrictions or opening hours as those in other places.
Speaking to the Times, Mr O’Leary said: “It’s becoming a real challenge for all airlines. I fail to understand why anybody in airport bars is serving people at five or six o’clock in the morning. Who needs to be drinking beer at that time? There should be no alcohol served at airports outside licensing hours.”
In the UK being drunk on an aircraft is a criminal offence punishable by two years’ in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.
Mr O’Leary’s proposal has caused massive debate and divided many, including the likes of BBC Radio 2 presenters Vernon and Jeremy. Whilst Vernon was for Mr O’Leary’s idea, Jeremy was very much against it.
Vernon said: “If people can’t drink responsibly then remove the reason why they can’t drink responsibly and just have normal drinking hours in an airport. Why is an airport different to anywhere else? Why can you get a pint at half four in the morning in an airport but not in a pub?”
However, Jeremy countered: “Maybe the airport’s got it right, maybe everything should be open all the time, but why would you punish the person who can drink two pints of lager without shouting ‘Are you looking at my bird?’ Why is that person getting punished?”
Vernon responded: “Because you’re on an aeroplane. I don’t want some clown affecting the flight and you’re going to end up in Italy somewhere because the clowns’ got to get off.”
Later, after discussing cocclyea implants, Vernon said he was still on the story and wanted to clarify something with Jeremy about the story and how it relates to families trying to travel.
He said: “I’m not being a Derek downer… it’s sounds like I am but when you’ve got families on planes, kids don’t need to witness that kind of behaviour.
Jeremy replied: “I think the trouble is you’re then stopping people drinking one and a half pints which would be my kind of total maximum amount.”
As Jeremy went to leave, the tension in the conversation had diminished and Vernon cheerfully said goodbye to his BBC colleague: “Thank you Jeremy have a great show. You can leave now with your 70s attitudes.”
Mr O’Leary’s proposal and Vernon and Jeremy’s debate came after budget airline Jet2 proposed a UK-wide database that would allow airlines to collaborate to ban disruptive passengers.
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