TTT - // AH: "First of all, the notion that I 'don't get it as a teetotaller' is absurd - as is the notion of dignifying getting tipsy as 'relaxing'." - Silly comment from a non drinker, "getting tipsy" - perlease having a drink is so much more than the effect, but I see you are a "I don't do it so why should anyone else" merchant //
Then you see me incorrectly.
As a non-alcohol drinker growing up, I was unique in my wide circle of friends as a non-drinker, but I enjoyed their company in pubs and clubs as they drank and I didn't, did then, and do now. I would never be so arrogant as to assume that because I don't like something everyone else should not like it either, that is not adult behaviour, and I am not guilty of it.
// "Just because I don't drink alcohol in airports does not mean I am not entitled to a view of people who do - I don't hunt foxes, but I have a view on people who do." - is it only airports you don't drink at? //
Obhviously not, I don't drink alcohol anywhere - I don't eat beetroot or seafood or curry or drink lime juice or lemonade or strong coffee for exactly the same reasons, but anyone else is entirely welcome to do so.
"If it's relaxing', then I expect a bar at my dentist - people are far more tense and in need of relaxation there than at an airport!" - yes and why not a place to take drugs etc, getting silly Andy. //
I agree - it is the extension of the argument in favour of alcohol in airports. No-one needs to 'relax' before a flight, any more than they need to 'relax' in the scenarios I outlined, of course it 's silly, so is the defence of 'relaxation' for excess alcohol in airports.
// "The point is, alcohol at airports is profit driven" - as is all business, what offends you so much? //
It doesn't 'offend' my in the slightest. It does, however, disturb me that airports are allowed to exploit human nature for profit, at the potential risk of innocent passengers and crew.
"Instead of making the responsibility for adults unable to control their own alcohol intake the responsibility of already busy and stretched airline ground crews, why not take away the need for 'strictness' at the gate by stopping people from drinking in the first Place?" - ah punish us all for the actions of the few again. //
Not at all.
This is not about 'punishing' people, simply expecting them to be responsible and adult about where they are and what they are doing.
We expect people to be responsible about drinking alcohol and driving cars, because the two combined provide a risk, not to everyone everywhere, but deemed sufficiently serious to legislate because of the potential consequences. I think passengers should adopt a similar of responsibility for the same reasons - some passengers can drink responsibly, but so can some drivers, but the rule applies, drink driving is a punishable offence.
My view is simple - alcohol ands air travel is a dangerous combination for a minority, in the same way alcohol and car driving - if we assess the risks and legislate for the safety of the majority in car travel, why not in air travel.