IT’S 3am at The Red Lion pub in Gatwick Airport and British Gas field engineer Sam Singleton is in a French maid’s outfit, waving a feather duster and clutching a pint of Guinness.
His 17-strong stag group is having the typical pre-flight drinks that have become a rite of passage for Brits jetting off abroad.
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The bustling pub is full of punters enjoying a spot of refreshment before they board their flightsCredit: Paul Edwards
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Sam’s frilly costume signals the start of his stag celebration at 03:00Credit: Paul Edwards
And it’s not just plentiful food offerings and the sociable atmosphere that are bringing in travellers in droves — terminal pubs remain one of the only places where it is socially acceptable to have a pint at 5am.
Sam, 34, from Crawley, West Sussex, says: “I’m dressed like this because I’m getting married in four weeks to my beautiful fiancee, Erin.
“We’ve had a few drinks and a really good laugh. I couldn’t imagine starting a stag in any other way, to be honest.”
The Sun on Sunday spent 24 hours at JD Wetherspoon’s The Red Lion in Gatwick’s North Terminal to see why Britain’s airside bars are hitting new heights.
This is what we found . . .
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Spoons staff prepare The Red Lion for the day’s rushCredit: Paul Edwards
04:00
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Birthday girl Nicole Briggs, centre, with pals at the pub before their flightCredit: Paul Edwards
Nicole Briggs, 29, from Essex, is heading to the Greek island of Mykonos to celebrate her birthday, wearing a pink cowboy hat and matching sash.
Her pal Danielle Grimes, 30, also from Essex, tells us: “Having drinks at this time is just the law of the airport. It’s the only way to do it.”
On the other side of the pub, siblings Alicia, Adan, 17, and Heart Evanelio, 20, from Medway, Kent, are tucking into an early-morning breakfast before they fly to Basel, Switzerland, with 20 family members.
Alicia, 27, says: “We come here because the food is always good. It’s affordable, comfortable, welcoming and the staff are fantastic.”
Wetherspoons Pubs at Gatwick Airport: A Traveler’s Haven
05:00
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Three stag party revellers at the pub start as they mean to go onCredit: Paul Edwards
Another stag party has arrived. Robert, James, Jay, Jimmy and John are in their 30s and from different parts of the UK, but they are all flying to Benidorm.
Robert says: “There will be 28 altogether and we’ve had a fantastic day and night already.”
Jay adds: “We came to Wetherspoons because it’s better value and you know exactly what you are getting.”
06:00
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David Green, left, and Sam Peters toast a newly forged friendshipCredit: Paul Edwards
Actor David Green, 58, from Brighton, and Sam Peters, 52, from Croydon, South London, clink pint glasses, having only just met.
Sam says: “The Red Lion is very different to the average pub where people are scared to strike up a conversation with strangers. No-one bats an eyelid here.”
07:00
Factory worker Jay Law, 34, and Sasha Cross, 35, from the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, are going to Malta for the weekend.
They eat eggs Benedict and drink coffee with Guinness and a bourbon. Jay says: “It is the rule at airports — have a proper drink with your brew.”
08:00
Broker Lorna Stevens, 42, and special educational needs worker Amanda Sargent, 38, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, met in their local pub 20 years ago.
They are drinking pink gin and tonic before flying to Marrakech, and Amanda says: “We always take a photo of ourselves at The Red Lion — the start of the holiday, the obligatory picture.”
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Team leader Megan Gardner loves the job she’s done at the pub for the past seven yearsCredit: Paul Edwards
Team leader and mum- of-two Megan Gardner, 23, from Crawley, West Sussex, does four seven-hour shifts a week at The Red Lion.
She says: “I haven’t a bad word to say about working here — that’s why I’ve been here seven years.”
10:00
Tasha Clements, 28, from Horsham, West Sussex, has been a bar worker at The Red Lion for two years.
She says: “Every day someone makes the same joke — ‘It’s five o’clock somewhere!’. And it is.”
11:00
Jhonny Da Corte has been the pub’s kitchen chief leader for five years. He is overseeing 13 people today.
Venezuelan Jhonny, 30, from West London, says: “We go through around 20,000 eggs per week.
“Our most popular dish in the morning will be our traditional breakfast and, at lunch, burgers take over as the top sellers.”
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Steve Norman of Spandau Ballet, right, enjoys a pre-flight pint with his pal JayCredit: Paul Edwards
Over a pint of Doom Bar, he opens up about his ambition to reunite the band.
Steve, 65, says: “It would be great, before one of us pops our clogs, to be in a room together at the very least — and maybe, who knows, do a last farewell tour.”
13:00
Dad Zesh Sadique, 46, and his wife Sadia are en route to Bodrum, Turkey, for four days with their children, Zidane, eight, and Arya, three.
Tucking into fish and chips, Sadia, 37, from London, says: “We came here because there is a great range of food. We’ll be back.”
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Electrician John Penny, 38, and his wife Lucy, who live near Crowborough, East Sussex, are celebrating their first child-free holiday in 12 years.
They’re off to sunny Palma, Majorca, and John is celebrating with a pint, while community helper Lucy, 35, is content with a Pepsi.
She says: “We always come here with the kids, too. You order on an app, so it’s easy.”
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Beccie Simms, 47, and her nine-year-old neurodivergent twins Poppy and Ethan are having pizza and chips before flying to Crete.
Maternity ward worker Beccie, from Surrey, says: “This suits the twins. It is relaxed and has a great choice of food. The twins are very picky!”
16:00
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Alice Richardson, Millie Parker, Poppy Davinport and Hannah Wilson drink to their Majorca holCredit: Paul Edwards
Portsmouth students Poppy Davinport, Hannah Wilson and Alice Richardson, all 21, together with Millie Parker, 20, are heading to Majorca.
They are drinking Proseccos, gin and tonics and apple juices. Millie says: “The plan is to get tanned, drink and eat lots of paella.”
17:00
Londoners Olivia Moris-Brown, 19, who works for M&S, and her partner Jason Pham, a 20-year-old insurance broker, are off to Pisa in Italy to celebrate their sixth anniversary.
Tucking into chips and curry sauce, a spicy Korean chicken bowl and fish and chips, Jason says: “We love Spoons, we are fans. The food is always banging.”
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Tthe Ojukwus visit the pub before jetting to Majorca for their anniversaryCredit: Paul Edwards
Guinness-drinking Leon Ojukwu, 43, from East London, and his wife Abbie, 40, are primary school teachers.
They’re celebrating their tenth anniversary in Majorca with kids Esme, eight, and Zac, five. Abbie, who has had a Prosecco, says: “We always come here before a flight.
“Everyone has a smile on their face, the drinks come quickly and you don’t need to dress up.”
19:00
Ian Gordon, 62, is waiting for the Inverness flight, heading home to Lhanbryde, Moray, after a work trip.
Tucking into a ham and mushroom pizza, the salmon fisherman says: “The Guinness is good at Wetherspoons.
“I just came back from Iceland — you’re paying at least double for a pint there.”
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Nicola, in hat, is off to Portugal with nine mates for her 40thCredit: Paul Edwards
Wearing a sparkly hat, facilities manager Nicola Sandhu is heading to Vilamoura, Portugal, with nine friends for her 40th.
Nicola, from Bexleyheath, Kent, says: “We’ve got wines, Prosecco and lemon spritzes, nachos, fish and chips and an ultimate burger to set our trip off on the right note.”
21:00
Five pint-sipping friends from Selsey, West Sussex, are en route to party capital Prague in the Czech Republic.
Yet NHS service manager Mike Brooks, chef Ryan O’Hara, builder Riley Evans, all 25, carpenter Jenson Holden, 20, and carer Will Jenkinson, 26, insist they are “going to see the local sights”.
Riley says: “We will be in bed by 10pm, reading our Kindles.”
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Bella Caesar, left, and Millie Horner enjoy a pre-flight drinkCredit: Paul Edwards
Teaching assistant Millie Horner and HR worker Bella Caesar, both 21, from Hedge End, Hampshire, are eating chicken strips and are on their third round of vodka lemonade and rum and Coke.
They got here early for their Ibiza flight and Millie says: “It’s a debrief before the main event begins.”
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It’s all been too much for one travellerCredit: Paul Edwards
The passengers have all gone, and now The Red Lion worker Holly Taplin, 19, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, is mopping up after a long shift.
She says: “I am a bar associate, which means I host, clean, serve, make drinks — the whole lot.”
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Bar worker Holly Taplin gets the place tidy againCredit: Paul Edwards
Ollie Wilcox, 29, from Crawley, West Sussex, is a shift manager at the pub.
He says: “We stay open until the last flight goes, then we get ready for the morning shift.
“Passengers start coming through at 2am, and by 4am, the pub’s chock-a-block — there is a queue all the way down to WHSmith.”
Kuwait bans the import of alcoholic beverages, but bootleg liquor is sold with no oversight or safety standards.
Kuwaiti authorities have arrested 67 people accused of producing and distributing locally made alcoholic drinks that killed 23 people in recent days, including a Bangladeshi national said to head the criminal network, the Interior Ministry has said.
In a statement on X late on Saturday, the ministry said it seized six factories and another four that were not yet operational in residential and industrial areas.
A Nepali member of the criminal group told authorities how the methanol was prepared and sold.
Kuwait, a Muslim nation, bans the import or domestic production of alcoholic beverages, but some are manufactured illegally in secret locations that lack oversight or safety standards, exposing consumers to the risk of poisoning.
The arrests come after the Ministry of Health said on Thursday that cases of methanol poisoning linked to the tainted drinks had reached 160, with 23 deaths, mostly among Asian nationals.
At least 51 people required urgent kidney dialysis while 31 needed mechanical ventilation, the ministry said.
The Embassy of India in Kuwait, which has the largest expatriate community in the country, said around 40 Indian nationals in Kuwait were hospitalised in the last few days, without specifying the cause.
“There have been some fatalities, some are in a critical condition while others are recovering,” it said in a statement on X.
Methanol, a toxic colourless alcohol used in industrial and household products, is hard to detect. Symptoms of poisoning are typically delayed and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperventilation and breathing problems.
It is reported that thousands of people suffer from methanol poisoning every year, especially in Asia. If not treated, fatality rates are often reported to be 20 percent to 40 percent, according to the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
But the famous couple have rekindled their romance and continue to parent their daughter Bambi, two, together.
Now, it seems Zoe and Tommy’s relationship has improved after Molly-Mae showed them working out in the same gym with Bambi in tow.
She took to her Instagram stories to film Zoe showing her niece how to do a burpee on the gym floor.
In Molly-Mae’s next story, Tommy is running on a treadmill as Bambi looks on sceptically.
“I think she may feel the same about the gym as I do,” she captioned a close-up photo of Bambi’s face.
The three adults then went for a stroll in the town they were in, where Zoe and Bambi watched a local artist do some painting and the Tommy held his daughter on his shoulders.
Molly-Mae admits real reason she’s not filming with Tommy Fury after breaking down in tears on camera
Molly-Mae recently opened up to fans about the real reason Tommy doesn’t appear frequently on her vlog – like he used to prior to their split.
The influencer addressed criticism levelled at Tommy by some fans who accused him of being an absent dad.
In hurtful comments, they claimed that Molly’s sister Zoe, 28, is more of a father figure due to her regular appearance in the videos.
Ex Love Island star Molly explained: “I’ve seen so many comments saying ‘Zoe is more the dad’ I only vlog when I am not with Tommy, I am with Tommy literally 80 per ceent of the week and he is with Bambi the majority of the week.
Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury – Reunion Clues
MOLLY-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury are on holiday in Dubai after splitting in August. Yet have they dropped clues about their reunion before?
“But I vlog when we are here and he is at his because it’s just something that I am not ready to like open up with yet and like flinging the camera around like when we’re a family.
“I just think like we’re not there yet and still figuring out life and living situations. I’m not ready to vlog like we used to.”
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The couple and Bambi attended Zoe’s wedding before their split last yearCredit: instagram/@tommyfury
EX-England footie ace Andy Carroll has revealed he is back with girlfriend Lou Teasdale after a stormy split — and vowed to cut down on booze to save their relationship.
Opening up about his feelings for stylist Lou in an exclusive interview with the Sun on Sunday, Andy said: “I love Lou and I love her family. We row like any couple.”
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Andy Carroll has revealed he is back with girlfriend Lou Teasdale after a stormy splitCredit: Ian Whittaker
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Footie star Andy and Lou in a holiday snap
The pair have been dating since his split last summer from ex-wife and former Towie star Billi Mucklow, 37. They are currently divorcing.
The 36-year-old former Premier League star said: “Things have been difficult for me and I’m going through a divorce.
“Some of our rows have been about alcohol, as Lou has been teetotal for 14 years and I have a beer or wine at dinner and a drink after the game, but it’s not a problem in my life.
“I’m a professional footballer and that’s not the case. I play sport every single day so my level of fitness is really good. I play football every day so I’m fit.”
But now he has told The Sun on Sunday that after a misunderstanding in Spain, he and Lou have patched things up.
Former Liverpool and Newcastle striker Andy, who now plays for non-league Dagenham & Redbridge FC, said: “We’re better off together and we’re trying to work through our difficulties.”
He was questioned about rows with her at a packed beachside restaurant and then at their hotel.
He was taken to the police station after the second incident.
Ex-England star Andy Carroll DUMPS Lou Teasdale after police quiz over boozy rows as he tells pals he’s ‘sick’ of her
Speaking about the restaurant incident now, Andy — pictured with Lou, above, as he signed for his new club last month — insisted: “There was no alcohol involved. We argued about me having three coffees in the morning. She was worried I was addicted to coffee and it went from there.”
A joint statement from them at the time said: “Whilst having a private dinner in a restaurant on a quiet holiday in Mykonos, we had a heated discussion of the sort that most couples have had on occasion.
“It quickly became apparent to the police that there was no reason for them to be there.”
It added: “As far as we are concerned, the situation has been blown out of all proportion by an interested member of the public.
“No one was arrested and no one was charged with anything.
“We are very happy, in love and looking forward to our future together and we are disappointed that a private disagreement has become a public matter.”
I don’t want to be with Lou anymore… she gives me ultimatums about everything
What Andy told us last week
Andy returned to England last month, having left French fourth-tier side Bordeaux to play for Dagenham & Redbridge and to be close to his children, who live in Essex.
He said: “I just want to focus on my kids. They’re more important than anything. I’m loving life back in England.
“Obviously when I was working in France, I was there alone, and I was out with the lads a lot. Now I’m back home with the kids and it’s just a different way of life.”
Passengers who are not on their best behaviour could face jail time or a fine, according to a campaign led by the country’s biggest airports
Passengers have been warned (stock image)(Image: WSFurlan via Getty Images)
Brits jetting off have been warned to be on their best behaviour or their summer holidays could “ruined” this year, officials have warned. A nationwide campaign going around the UK’s airports is encouraging holidaymakers to “fly responsibly” or risk “paying the price”.
With experts predicting this summer to be one of the busiest ever for air travel, the One Too Many campaign is cautioning travellers that having too much alcohol before flying out could result in serious consequences. Promotional material even warned Brits they face jail time if they flout any rules.
Travellers who cause disruption on flights may find themselves denied boarding, hit with a lifetime band or fines of up to £80,000 should their conduct force an aircraft to change course mid-journey. “One too many is all it takes to ruin a holiday, cause a delay, land YOU in jail, cancel a flight, [and/or] divert a plane,” one of the campaign’s warnings said.
The One Too Many campaign resources have been deployed across more than 20 UK airports including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Bristol, reports the Liverpool Echo. The campaign said on its website: “The industry is committed to tackling disruptive behaviour through a voluntary Code of Practice.
“Signatories to the Code work together to prevent and minimise the number of disruptive passenger incidents, and promote a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour; the identification, pre-emption, management and reporting of disruptive incidents; the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol; and education and communication with passengers.”
Karen Dee, the chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, said: “UK airports are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers. We urge travellers to enjoy their journeys responsibly and not ruin their holidays or the holidays of others. Airports will continue to monitor and act against any disruptive behaviour to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The One Too Many campaign was first launched in 2018, with support from the Government and includes endorsements from the Department for Transport and the Home Office. The campaign came just days after police in the north launched their own campaign to curb boozy Brits who came back from their holidays.
Officers stopped drivers leaving Teesside Airport as part of ‘Operation Take Off’, which targeted passengers who had flown into the airport and had struggled to control their boozing during their flights.
Warnings have been placed in airports such as London Heathrow(Image: Ceri Breeze via Getty Images)
Only one person out of the more than 100 checked was found to have alcohol in their breath. The amount found was below the legal limit, according to police, who gave the person a warning after they admitted to having one glass of wine on board.
Earlier this year, Ryanair called for airports to limit passengers to having no more than two drinks before they board, claiming it would lead to “a safer travel experience for passengers and crews”.
At the time, a spokesperson for Ryanair criticised governments across Europe for what it saw as their “repeated failure to take action when disruptive passengers threaten aircraft safety and force them to divert”. They added: “It is time that European Union authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports.”
An ex-pat who swapped Dublin for the Costa del Sol has revealed why she’s never looked back
14:24, 27 Jul 2025Updated 14:24, 27 Jul 2025
Tori Clinton, who has spent the last two years living abroad, says the culture change has had a hugely positive impact on her life(Image: Jam Press/@thetoridiaries)
An expatriate has shared how her life took a complete turn for the better after she relocated to Spain, where she enjoys beers for as little as €1.70.
Tori Clinton, who has spent the past two years living overseas, says the cultural shift has had an enormously positive impact on her life. The 30 year old even confessed that the Spanish approach to alcohol has entirely transformed her outlook.
Tori, originally from Dublin and now residing in Malaga, visits her local pub daily to bask in the sun with a “cheeky caña”. This small beer costs just €1.70 at Tori’s preferred spots, while a pint is only €2.50.
In contrast, the average price of a pint in her former local pub is a staggering €7.30.
The 30 year old freelancer believes that having the occasional drink instead of binge drinking, and embracing a culture where work isn’t everything, has enabled her to “become the best version” of herself, reports Dublin Live.
Tori Clinton has decided to settle down in the Spanish coastal city(Image: Jam Press/@thetoridiaries)
“It is so normal to do things on evenings after work, not just go home like back home and watch EastEnders. “Going to my local is my favourite time of the day – it’s time for me to catch up on some life admin and work, but also check in with myself and journal my thoughts. “I mean, who doesn’t want to be sat out in the evening sun with a cheeky caña, thinking ‘how is this my life?’ “In Spain, there is no binge drinking, and you never see people super drunk or messy.
“They sip their alcohol and pace themselves. “Being Irish, our favourite thing to say is ‘should we get another?
Tori Clinton believes having the odd tipple instead of binge drinking, and embracing a culture where work isnt the be-all and end-all, has allowed her to become the best version of herself(Image: Jam Press/@thetoridiaries)
‘ when in fact there is no need for that other drink. “This is something you would never hear people here say, and it has taken time to shift to this mindset. “Everything feels so much cheaper as the prices are so different in comparison to Ireland and England.
“When I go back there to visit family, it can be quite a shock – even when getting a coffee.”
Tori quit her job and travelled to Malaga, a place she often visited as a child with her family, in 2023. And after falling in love with her new life, she decided to settle down in the Spanish coastal city.
Tori Clinton originally from Dublin, who now lives in Malaga, visits her local every day to soak up the sun with a cheeky caña(Image: Jam Press/@thetoridiaries)
She added: “Work and career are a lower priority here – it’s all about living and enjoying, rather than chasing work pressures. “There are, however, some cultural aspects that have been hard to grasp and still grind my gears.
“As everything is slower paced here, so too is paperwork and getting things done without over complicating everything, but look – we can’t have it all
“It can also be like being on a rollercoaster with your emotions as you’re trying to build a life and a home in a country where you’re not fluent in their language”
Jet2 issues guidance for all inclusive packages on its website
Millions of people use Jet2holidays each year(Image: Westend61 via Getty Images)
TUI, easyJet and Jet2 customers are being told to “check” certain hotel rules ahead of a busy summer for holidays. Millions of people are expected to jet off abroad over the coming months, with experts predicting a bumper season for international travel.
Lots of travellers like to book all inclusive hotels for ease, as most things are taken care of and you won’t need to take too much spending money as you’ve already paid for meals and drinks. However, on its website Jet2holidays explains that all inclusive rules can vary “from one hotel to another”.
Guidance reads: “Please check the property description for each hotel for details of what’s included, as this will vary from one hotel to another. All inclusive typically includes 3 buffet style meals in the hotel’s main restaurant, snacks and locally produced drinks (often during a specified timeframe) for a minimum of 12 hours per day but please note that in rare cases all inclusive may be available for less than 12 hours; where we are aware of this, it will be stated clearly in the property description.
“Please be aware that in some properties, there may also be limits on the number of drinks or the facilities available.” This was the case for an all inclusive package to Playa de Palma, Mallorca, found on the Jet2holidays website, where information stated: “A maximum of 3 alcoholic drinks per person (beer and wine) during lunch, and 3 alcoholic drinks per person (beer and wine) during dinner only. At all other times any alcoholic drinks are payable locally.””
easyJet offers similar advice, too, explaining: “Every all inclusive hotel is different, however most do include alcohol as part of an all inclusive package. Most of the time local branded alcohol will be included, and you can often upgrade to include premium or international drinks if you want to.
“Check the description of the hotel you’re interested in to find out exactly what is included.” And if you’re going on an all inclusive holiday with TUI, again, “it varies from hotel to hotel”.
TUI says: “One buffet restaurant might take care of all your meals, or you could have a different restaurant to visit every night of the week. Likewise, things like kids’ clubs and watersports can all come as part of the package, or you might need to pay a little extra.
“You’ll find all the details on the hotel’s info page on our website. Everything’s taken care of so there’s no need to factor in extra costs for food or drink. You’ll get your breakfast, lunch and evening meals included in your package.
“Plus, snacks and soft and alcoholic drinks are also included – some hotels might charge extra for premium spirits so check before you book.”
Andras Rado, head of communications at Wizz Air, has opened up about the quiet checks boarding agents carry out when they spot a passenger who might’ve spent a little too long at the airport Spoons
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Tipsy passengers are subject to a secret process to determine whether or not they should be allowed to fly.
Andras Rado, head of communications at Wizz Air, has opened up about the quiet checks boarding agents carry out when they spot a passenger who might’ve spent a little too long at the airport Spoons.
“We will be flying 75 million passengers this year, and so for sure we will have some issues. We have a procedure that is not known to passengers,” Andras told The Mirror.
“It is not a secret that we’re doing it—they just don’t know how we do it. The cabin crew screen passengers. They have certain criteria to watch, then they watch it. An example is how the passenger greets you back. Do they greet you back? There are signs that a person is already drunk.”
If a passenger is judged to be too pickled, flight crews ask the captain whether they should be allowed to board. “The captain makes the final decision.”
When asked whether Wizz Air would support Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary’s calls to introduce a two-drink limit at airports, Andras said: “I don’t think you can control how many whiskies people drink at the airport. Onboard we can control. If we see they are intoxicated, we stop serving them.”
The PR man also noted that Wizz Air is less impacted by drunken, disorderly customers than some other airlines. “We don’t have any problems with passenger diversions. We don’t have the same issue. It’s a different demographic. If you look at our London Gatwick–Jeddah flights, I spoke to a crew member on Wednesday, and she said how respectful our passengers are.”
The Mirror also spoke with a former Wizz Air pilot about how the process of stopping drunk passengers from boarding typically unfolds.
“If they do not create trouble, sometimes it’s better to keep them drinking. Some passengers may become unruly if they want to drink. It doesn’t apply if they show up already drunk. It’s the captain’s call. I try to use common sense, but I never experienced any pressure from the company either way,” the pilot explained.
Addiction specialist Martin Preston, from private rehab clinic Delamere, has explained why the effects of alcohol kick-in quicker and often stronger when drinking onboard a plane.
“The reason for this is not because the alcohol content is higher in drinks on the plane, but that alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream more quickly, as a result of cabin pressure and lower levels of oxygen in your blood,” he said.
This means that consumers may feel more intoxicated than they normally would be if they were drinking on land. From sleep disruption to fainting, Martin has revealed what happens to the body when you drink on a plane – and they can really dampen those holiday highs.
The FCDO wants Brits heading on holiday to ‘be aware’
Millions of Brits are expected to head abroad over the coming months(Image: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to any Brits who may be counting down to a “big holiday”. The government body, which protects UK citizens while abroad among many other tasks, regularly issues updates online.
And in a new post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, the FCDO issued a warning to anyone planning to consume alcohol while abroad. The full post reads: “Heading for a big holiday abroad soon? Before you hit the bar: Remember not to leave your drinks unattended [and that] drinks abroad can have different alcohol measures.”
Text over an accompanying graphic adds: “Stick with your mates. Keep an eye on your drinks.” Travellers are also pointed towards the FCDO’s Travel Aware campaign, which is aimed at making sure holidaymakers “have the best possible travel abroad, help you stay safe and understand risks in different countries”.
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Further advice found here adds: “Drinking abroad can be different to back in the UK. The quality of alcohol can vary, measures can be more generous, and tempting deals may lead to quicker intoxication than anticipated. Be aware that drink spiking can occur while on holiday.
“Spiking is adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink without them knowing. Spiking is commonly used to distract you from theft or impair you before an assault. Do not leave your drink unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers. This is the best strategy to prevent the possibility of your drink being spiked.
“Consume water in-between alcoholic drinks. This will help pace you throughout the night and help keep you hydrated. Drink at your own pace. Everyone’s tolerance to alcohol is different. Consider avoiding rounds or having a break from drinking alcohol if you are feeling uneasy.”
Bethany Clarke, 27, and her best friend Simone White, 28, met in Laos, Southeast Asia, for the trip of a lifetime, but after consuming vodka shots that are thought to have been tainted with methanol, it ended in tragedy
Bethany Clarke and her best friend Simone White were in Laos when they were thought to be poisoned by methanol (Image: Handout)
It was meant to be a fun-packed couple of weeks travelling through Southeast Asia for Bethany Clarke and her best friend Simone White. Enjoying free shots of vodka at their hostel, the pair couldn’t wait to find out what their adventure would bring.
Sadly, it ended in tragedy after the pair were poisoned by what they believe was methanol.
Bethany, who was 27 at the time and lived in Brisbane, Australia, and Simone, who hadturned 28 just a week before the trip and lived in London, Greenwich, met in Laos as a halfway point for a holiday together. They had been best friends since the first year of primary school, and after amending their plans to include two Southeast Asia countries, they were excited to explore Laos before heading to Cambodia.
During the first few days of their trip in November 2024, they spent time in Vang Vieng, a small town on the Nam Song River in Laos, which had once been a notorious party destination for backpackers. In between activities, like tubing down the river, they stayed two nights at the Nana Backpackers Hostel after being impressed by its numerous “positive reviews”.
Bethany (front) and Simone (back) met for what was meant to be a two and a half week adventure in Southeast Asia(Image: Handout)
At the hostel, they met one of their friends from home who had also been travelling, and on their second night, the three friends took advantage of the hostel’s happy hour, offering free vodka and whiskey shots from 8pm to 10pm. That night, Bethany and Simone drank vodka with a mixer, like Sprite, but Bethany recalled it tasting “quite weak”.
“I remember thinking ‘that’s unusually weak’, but I didn’t think anything of it. I just thought it’s happy hour, the chances are they’re wanting to cut costs, so they’re probably putting water in it,” Bethany exclusively told the Mirror. “I hadn’t heard about methanol poisoning and about how organised crime rings would add methanol in, to cut costs.”
Looking back, Bethany recalled that the whiskey was “black” and that her friend didn’t like it, but again, didn’t think much of it. When the happy hour ended, Bethany went to bed feeling tired, while Simone and their friend went across the road to an Irish bar for some more drinks.
“I just remember thinking I’m unusually tired, and I do get tired after drinking, but that was quite extreme. I don’t know whether it was the methanol already kicking in, or whether it was jet lag. Looking back, it was probably the methanol”.
She explained that being asleep could have “masked” some of her symptoms. According to the UK Health Security Agency, the substance can cause “convulsions, blindness, nervous system damage, coma and death.”
The next morning, Bethany said she felt “weak and not very well coordinated”. She added: “My brain wasn’t really able to problem-solve or think very clearly. I had no hunger whatsoever, which, again, is quite unusual if you’re hungover, but I just had no interest in food at all.”
The vodka and whiskey shots served at Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng during happy hour(Image: Handout)
Putting it down to being hungover, Bethany and Simone “forced themselves to eat something” and went out for their booked tour to the Blue Lagoon in the morning, before a kayaking experience in the afternoon. However, during the day out, Bethany said that they didn’t have “any sensible conversation” but instead were just talking about how they were feeling, “it was like having the brain of a five-year-old, it was really, really strange.” She also recalled Simone being sick off the kayak, which she said was “unusual”.
Later that day, they caught a bus to their next destination in Vientiane, but halfway through, Simone was sick and Bethany fainted and hit her head. “We didn’t have any conversations with anyone around us, and nobody seemed concerned,” Bethany said.
Showing no signs of improvement, they went to a public hospital after being dropped off by the bus. Still unaware of the severity of the situation, Simone and Bethany were checked over and were told that it could be “food poisoning”.
“We had different diets, so that didn’t make sense,” Bethany shared. “They put an IV in me, which I reluctantly agreed to, and eventually Simone came into the room, still walking and talking. I gave her some electrolytes once she got a bed, but she threw them up immediately.
“I checked her heart rate, and it wasn’t bad. And given that she had eaten something, I wasn’t too worried – at that point she had eaten more than me, so I thought maybe I was worse as I had fainted. We also thought that, as she had chosen to come in this last minute, she was presumably feeling a little bit better, but turns out the opposite was true.”
She continued: “Less than two hours later, she went into respiratory distress and was gasping for air. Simone wasn’t able to talk anymore or look at me, her eyes were glazed, looking in a different direction.” Simone was moved to the ICU part of the hospital before their friend suggested going to a private hospital for further care.
They arrived at the private Kasemrad International Hospital in Vientiane, around 27 hours after they consumed their drinks at the hostel. Tragically, Simone’s condition deteriorated, and she needed emergency brain surgery before being placed on life support.
Simone tragically passed away on 21 November 2024 at the age of 28(Image: Handout)
Simone’s mum flew in from Kent to be with her daughter, and was given the heartbreaking ultimatum on whether to keep her on life support. Bethany said that doctors had to explain to Sue how to switch off her daughter’s life support, and she was told she’d have to do it herself, due to religious reasons.
Sue made the heart-wrenching decision to take the tube out of her daughter’s mouth and turn off her life support. The 28-year-old died on 21 November 2024, just nine days after drinking the shots at Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng.
An inquest into her death earlier this year confirmed that Simone tragically died from a bleed on the brain. Simone is one of six tourists to have died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos.
The hostel closed, but now appears to be rebranded as Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel. According to Tripadvisor, it is planning to reopen and is taking bookings from August this year.
Bethany recovered, but has been left with the devastating heartache of losing her best friend. Now, she has launched the Simone White Methanol Awareness campaign to help raise awareness and prevent this from happening to anyone ever again.
She has called for the government to do more to help travellers understand the dangers of drinking alcohol abroad, including putting up warning posters in airports. In addition, Bethany set up a petition for the dangers of methanol poisoning to be taught in schools across the UK.
The hostel now appears to be rebranded as Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel(Image: Handout)
Bethany shared with us: “Since the poisoning, I’ve found out more information about Vang Vieng in general, because it does seem to have a history of very loose safety regulations. There were no documented cases of methanol poisoning in Laos when we were there, so how were we meant to know? It’s frustrating that these cases go undocumented because no one really understands the true extent of what’s actually going on.”
Worryingly, Bethany claims that “so many” of the hostel’s reviews had been deleted, which she found out just days after the alleged poisoning happened. She claimed: “On reviews, people were saying that people were being poisoned and to stop serving these drinks, but they’d come back immediately, saying this is slander and all that. Then, less than a day later, the review would be gone from Google.”
This led Bethany to actively share warnings and messages on social media, while they were still in hospital, about the Vang Vieng hostel in a bid to warn others about the serious risk of the drinks. “I’m so glad I did that at the time, you don’t know how many more people could have gone, it’s so scary,” she added.
Describing her best friend, Bethany shared: “She was a very caring person, she had great listening ears and if I had any problems, she would help me out. She was an organiser, and she had a very busy social schedule and so many friends. She was my best friend, and I probably won’t ever meet anyone like that again.”
BLACK Sabbath fans were left stunned by sky-high prices at Villa Park – with a pint setting punters back up to £8 during the legendary band’s final hometown gig.
The Back to the Beginning supershow, held at Aston Villa’s stadium in Birmingham, marks Ozzy Osbourne’s last ever live performance – and the first time the full band have played together in two decades.
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Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Terry Butler and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath
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Black Sabbath fans arrived at Villa Park, queuing in long lines to enter the stadium – but for many, the bar and food prices were nearly as jaw-dropping as the music itself
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Inside the venue, a pint of Poretti lager was going for £8, with a half pint at £4. A pint of Somersby cider wasn’t far behind at £7, or £3.50 for a half
But for many fans, the bar and food prices were almost as jaw-dropping as the music.
Inside the venue, a pint of Poretti lager was going for £8, with a half pint at £4.
A pint of Somersby cider wasn’t far behind at £7, or £3.50 for a half.
Cocktail fans after something stronger had to fork out £13 for a draught Rum Punch – while even a bottle of water cost £3.50.
In the Doug Ellis stand, the prices were just as steep – with a Carlsberg Pilsner priced at £6.50, a glass of wine for £7, and both a gin and tonic and a vodka lemonade costing £7.50 each.
And it wasn’t just the drinks that had fans digging deep.
Food options were limited and pricey too – with a sausage roll setting you back £5, a steaky pasty £6.50, and Yardbirds chicken and chips costing a whopping £15.
Even the basics weren’t cheap – a can of Coke was £3.50, a bar of chocolate £2.50, and a bag of Walkers crisps £2.20.
Fancy a hot drink? That’s £3.95 for a tea and £4.50 for an espresso.
Fans weren’t impressed.
Some took to social media to vent their frustration, saying the prices were “festival-level rip-offs” and that it “left a bad taste before the music even started”.
One gig-goer told us: “I knew it’d be expensive but £8 for a pint and £7 for chips? That’s taking the Mick.”
Another said: “You expect a bit of markup, but this is madness.
Ozzy’s not the only one going out with a bang – so is my bank account.”
The backlash over food and drink prices follows recent criticism surrounding the cost of VIP meet-and-greet packages with Ozzy Osbourne, set to take place during his upcoming appearance at Comic Con Midlands.
Fans are being charged £666 for the ‘Ultimate Sin’ VIP package – which includes a group photo with Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack. But only two people are allowed per photo (except under-5s).
Want an autograph? That’ll cost extra.
Ozzy will sign a book for £225, or a poster, album or toy for £375. And if you want him to sign your guitar or mic?
That’ll be £750 – bringing the total package cost to £1,416.
Fan backlash has been fierce. One wrote: “Laughable prices, genuinely laughable.”
Another joked: “Time to start selling me kidney.”
While fans might be fuming over costs, the buzz inside Villa Park is electric.
This is a historic night – the last time Birmingham’s own heavy metal gods will share the stage in their hometown.
Ozzy, who’s battled serious health issues in recent years, admitted he won’t be performing a full set.
He said: “We’re only playing a couple of songs each.
“I don’t want people thinking ‘we’re getting ripped off’, because it’s just going to be … what’s the word? … a sample.”
He added: “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.”
The Back to the Beginning festival line-up is packed with legends, including Metallica, Slayer and Pantera – all joining in to celebrate Black Sabbath’s final bow.
Fans from across the UK – and some flying in from overseas – have packed out the stadium to say one last goodbye to the band that helped invent heavy metal.
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Inside the venue, a pint of Poretti lager was going for £8, with a half pint at £4. A pint of Somersby cider wasn’t far behind at £7, or £3.50 for a half
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Backlash over pricey pints comes after criticism of Ozzy’s £666 VIP packages
Don’t let a dicky tummy, sunburn or travel sickness ruin your holiday this summer, with nutritional therapist and pharmacist Deborah Grayson’s top tips
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One in eight holidaymakers get ill abroad, but with some simple proactive steps you can keep your summer trip on track(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to summer holidays – whether you’re jetting off to the Mediterranean, road-tripping across the UK, or packing for a long-haul getaway. But one of the most important things is sometimes the first to be overlooked – your health. As a pharmacist with more than 30 years’ experience, I’ve helped countless holidaymakers caught off-guard by sunburn, food poisoning or an unexpected allergic reaction.
One in eight holidaymakers get ill abroad, according to statistics. And nearly half of us fear a medical emergency abroad. But the good news is that with a few smart, proactive steps, you can avoid most common travel ailments and keep your summer trip on track. So whether you suffer from travel sickness, struggle with jet lag, or just want to avoid the classic sunburn-blister-sore-feet trifecta, here are 10 essential summer health hacks to help you feel your best, wherever you’re headed.
How to build the ultimate travel first aid kit
You don’t need to carry half a pharmacy with you, just pack the essentials. Make sure you have plasters and antiseptic wipes, as well as antihistamines (for bites, allergies or hay fever), and rehydration salts for heat or stomach bugs. Pop a pack of paracetamol or ibuprofen in your kit, as well as anti-diarrhoeal medication like loperamide.
Don’t forget travel sickness tablets, and hydrocortisone cream for rashes or bites. If you have prescribed medications, keep them in their original boxes with your name clearly labelled. Keeping these in a bag in your hand luggage ensures you’re covered if your main suitcase goes missing.
Pack the essentials for your next holiday, making sure you have basics such as plasters, antiseptic wipes and antihistamines(Image: Getty Images)
Beat travel sickness before it starts
Motion sickness happens when your inner ear and eyes send conflicting signals to your brain – often triggered in cars, boats or planes. Prevention is far more effective than waiting until you’re nauseous. Antihistamines such as cinnarizine or hyoscine patches are proven remedies and available over the counter. For natural alternatives, ginger capsules or acupressure wristbands may help some people. I also recommend facing forwards in a moving vehicle, avoiding reading or scrolling, and crack a window where possible.
Stay one step ahead of jetlag
There’s nothing worse than losing the first day or so of a long-awaited holiday due to jet lag. While you can’t avoid it altogether, there are some things you can do to minimise the effects. If possible, try to adjust your sleep schedule a few days before you fly. Drink plenty of water on the flight, and avoid alcohol. If it’s an overnight flight, avoid eating a heavy meal. Get some sunlight as soon as you arrive to help reset your internal body clock. Melatonin supplements may be useful for short-term sleep regulation but speak to a pharmacist first.
Stay hydrated – especially on your flight
Cabin air is dry, and dehydration not only leaves you feeling groggy but can worsen jet lag, headaches, and increase your risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Drink a glass of water every hour during your flight and avoid caffeine or alcohol, both of which dehydrate you. Consider oral rehydration salts if you’re flying long haul or suffer from conditions that make you more prone to dehydration. Pack a refillable water bottle (you can fill it after security) and use hydrating facial mists or moisturiser to combat dry skin.
Prevent sunburn
It’s tempting to start a holiday by spending hours in the sun lying on the beach or by the pool. But a trip away can easily be ruined by sunburn, which isn’t just painful but can increase your risk of skin cancer and can lead to sunstroke. Always use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours and immediately after swimming. Don’t forget areas like ears, feet, scalp, and the back of the neck. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.
Throw bottles of sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 in your bag and make sure you apply throughout the day(Image: Getty Images)
Protect against bites and stings
Mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects can cause allergic reactions or transmit illness depending on where you’re travelling. Use an insect repellent containing DEET, especially around sunrise and sunset. Wear loose, light-coloured clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net if needed. If you’re bitten make sure to clean the area, apply hydrocortisone cream, and take oral antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching. If the area becomes red, hot or painful – or you develop a fever – seek medical advice.
Avoid holiday tummy troubles
Food poisoning and traveller’s diarrhoea can ruin any trip. In many hot countries, bacteria multiply more quickly, especially in street food or undercooked meats. Stick to bottled or filtered water (including when brushing teeth) and avoid ice cubes unless you know the source. Peel fruits yourself and be cautious with salads washed in local water. Pack antidiarrhoeal tablets and rehydration salts. If symptoms last more than 48 hours, or there’s blood in the stool, seek medical help.
Plan ahead for pre-existing conditions
If you have a long-term condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist at least 2-4 weeks before you travel. Get any vaccinations you need and ensure you’re fit to fly, particularly for long-haul trips. Take a basic health summary or EHIC/GHIC card (for EU countries) and always declare conditions on travel insurance. If you’re flying with mobility issues, allergies or need medical equipment like oxygen or needles, inform your airline in advance. And remember – pharmacies abroad don’t always stock the same brands or doses. Being prepared gives you peace of mind.
Mind your medication in the heat
Many people don’t realise that extreme heat can reduce the effectiveness of some medications, particularly for blood pressure, thyroid conditions or diabetes. Tablets like nitroglycerin and insulin are especially sensitive and should be kept below 25°C, away from direct sunlight or car glove boxes.
For those on temperature-sensitive meds, pack a cool bag or insulated pouch, especially on day trips. Additionally, store your medication in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags, as luggage holds can get extremely hot. A travel-sized thermometer in your kit can help you keep an eye on conditions if you’re somewhere very hot.
Deborah Grayson is a pharmacist with 30 years’ experience, and a nutritional therapist. She runs Digestion With Confidence: digestionwithconfidence.co.uk
FILL YOUR FIRST AID KIT
Take steps now to make sure you have everything you need for every kind of holiday health challenge
Travel sickness tablets could help take the edge of nausea caused by flights, car journeys and boat trips
Kwells 300mcg travel sickness tablets, £3.99 for 12 (Boots)
Bioré Aqua Rich UV Invisible Face Mist SPF 50, £17.99 (Superdrug)
Keep your skin and your children’s well protected against the sun’s harmful rays with La Roche Posay UVMune 400 Dermo-paediatrics Invisible Spray SPF50+
Air staff can refuse to serve drunk passengers, but one former cabin crew member claims she would act when anyone started getting “tipsy” on-board
Flight attendants have a sneaky trick for dealing with passengers veering toward intoxication(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A former flight attendant has revealed one non-confrontational tactic she claims to have used when presented with “tipsy” passengers on-board.
The unnamed crew member said she had personally “watered down” alcoholic drinks of passengers who she felt were becoming intoxicated on-board. The revelation was made on social platform, Reddit, when curious flyers posed different questions about the role of cabin crew.
The topic came up on an Ask Me Anything thread where the question was asked if there is a limit to how much alcohol can be served to a passenger on international flights. The original poster (OP) shared that while there is no set limit, passengers “cannot be intoxicated” on-board.
When pressed further by another poster about what happens if passengers do start to show signs of being drunk, the OP revealed one sneaky tactic she had previously used.
Alcohol is typically available as part of a meal on long-haul flights and can sometimes be purchased duty-free on short-haul flights(Image: Getty Images/Hero Images)
“We will watch and if we notice a passenger becoming tipsy we will start diluting the drinks,” the OP shared. While this has not been confirmed as a standard practice, research from Stratos Jets seem to back up the claim.
The study – which was viewed by The Sun – interviewed 119 flight attendants and more than 35% of cabin crew members admitted to watering down passengers’ drinks. Additionally, 74.8% of interviewees shared that they had refused service to an intoxicated passenger on a flight, something flight attendants have the right to do.
Cabin crew members reserve the right to stop serving alcoholic beverages to passengers. It is also against the law to be drunk on a plane and you can be refused entry if you’ve had one too many before a flight.
Some airlines are cracking down with fines for disruptive passengers(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The official rules for drinking on a flight
According to The Air Navigation Order 2016: “A person must not enter any aircraft when drunk, or be drunk in any aircraft.”
Additionally, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority: “Disruptive passengers can lead to planes being diverted and, where this happens, the disruptive passengers themselves risk having to pay the cost of the diversion. They can also face criminal charges with severe penalties or even prison sentences.”
Passengers who also buy cheaper bottles of alcohol at duty-free are forbidden from opening it up on-board, and must wait until they have landed to enjoy it responsibly.
Ryanair announced on June 12 that disruptive passengers whose behaviour results in them being removed from the plane will now be fined £500.
Ryanair says “unruly passengers” is an “industry-wide issue” and the hefty fine will be the “minimum” punishment and will continue to pursue disruptive passengers for civil damages.
The budget airline says the new rules will be the ‘minimum’ punishment and it will continue to pursue passengers for civil damages
Ryanair wants to stop any bad behaviour that is conducted on their aircrafts(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ryanair passengers causing a ruckus on flights may now be slapped with a hefty £500 fine and shown the exit before take-off, as the airline intensifies its crackdown on bad behaviour.
In a move to quell inflight disturbances, Ryanair has declared that this will serve as the “minimum” penalty and pursue troublemakers for civil damages. The policy is intended to create “stress-free” environment that is free from disruption from a minority of passengers.
Ryanair has said in-flight disruptions plaguing all carriers, but they’re taking a firm stand to protect their customers and staff from from unruly behaviour. The strict measures are designed a “deterrent” for passengers, safeguarding smoother journeys.
“It is unacceptable that passengers are made to suffer unnecessary disruption because of one unruly passenger’s behaviour,” a spokesperson for Ryanair stated, as reports the Express.
Ryanair has declared that the £500 fine will serve as the “minimum” penalty(Image: Getty)
“To help ensure that our passengers and crew travel in a comfortable and stress-free environment, without unnecessary disruption caused by a tiny number of unruly passengers, we have introduced a £500 fine, which will be issued to any passengers offloaded from aircraft as a result of their misconduct.
“While these are isolated events which happen across all airlines, disruptive behaviour in such a confined shared space is unacceptable, and we hope that our proactive approach will act as a deterrent to eliminate this unacceptable behaviour onboard our aircraft.”
In an effort to combat in-flight safety risks, the airline has been pushing for a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages served at airport bars, advocating a maximum of two per passenger, with Ryanair calling for action to ensure “a safer travel experience”.
The budget carrier has underscored the serious implications of unruly passengers, who can cause expensive diversions, impacting both the airline’s operations and other customers’ plans.
Pointing towards a pattern of problem drinking at certain airports, Ryanair has notably marked four UK locations – Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh – as hot spots for pre-boarding alcohol consumption, with CEO Michael O’Leary publicly supporting the introduction of stringent measures.
Ryanair CEO cited Liverpool as one of the four destinations known for drinking before flights(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
O’Leary, speaking to the Telegraph, made his position clear last year on the need for responsible drinking prior to flying: “We don’t want to begrudge people having a drink. But we don’t allow people to drink-drive, yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33,000 feet. As long as they can stand up and shuffle they will get through. Then when the plane takes off we see the misbehaviour.”
Ryanair’s current guidelines permit passengers to bring duty-free alcohol with up to 70% ABV in the cabin, but they must refrain from consuming it mid-flight.
Duty-free alcoholic purchases must be kept sealed and not accessed until reaching the final destination, a rule imposed by the airline to reduce the risk of disruptive conduct while airborne.
Travellers should note that Ryanair personnel conduct bag inspections prior to boarding for specific routes, particularly those flying to popular party spots, such as certain Greek islands and Ibiza, notorious for anti-social occurrences.
On the wider issue of alcohol consumption at airports, a Ryanair spokesperson stated: “It is time that European Union authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports.
“Airlines like Ryanair already restrict and limit the sale of alcohol on board our aircraft, particularly in disruptive passenger cases. However, during flight delays, passengers are consuming excess alcohol at airports without any limit on purchase or consumption.”
The spokesperson added: “We fail to understand why passengers at airports are not limited to two alcoholic drinks (using their boarding pass in exactly the same way they limit duty free sales), as this would result in safer and better passenger behaviour on board aircraft, and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews all over Europe.”
Spain has introduced a number of new regulations for tourists this summer, with fines of up to £2,500 for those who make ‘one drinking error’
Brits visiting Spain have been warned(Image: MJS/SOLARPIX.COM)
Brits jetting off to Spain could be hit with hefty fines of up to £2,500 if they fall foul of the country’s strict drinking laws this summer.
As the holiday season approaches, travel experts are warning UK sunseekers to brush up on Spanish regulations or face penalties.
Organising “unauthorised gatherings” could see Brits forking out as much as €750 for blasting tunes too loudly. In places like Valencia, setting up unapproved tents or shelters might land you a fine ranging from €1,501 to €3,000.
Spain’s beaches are increasingly becoming smoke-free areas, with lighting up potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, while sipping a drink on the sands or promenade could set you back between €1,501 and €3,000.
The Spanish authorities have tightened the rules on public alcohol consumption, banning it on streets, parks, and beaches, reports the Express.
Caught with a tipple in public?
You could be coughing up to €3,000. Majorcan hotspots such as Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf have even curtailed alcohol sales from 9:30pm to 8am and clamped down on happy hour promotions.
For those who throw loud parties without permission, a €750 fine awaits, and Valencia’s crackdown includes hefty charges of up to €3,000 for unsanctioned tent pitching.
Many beaches have now become smoke-free zones, with a fag potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, and penalties for boozing on the beach or promenade ranging from €1,501 to €3,000.
Spain has also put a cap on daily visitors at certain beaches in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Platja d’Aro, in Costa Brava, has announced fines up to €1,500 for appearing in public “with clothing representing human genitals” in a crackdown on stag and hen dos from Blighty.
The bylaw specifically bans people from appearing “on the public thoroughfare without clothing or only in their underwear or with clothing or accessories representing human genitals or with dolls or other accessories of a sexual nature”.
There’s also new information required for those wanting to book digs or hire motors. Information gathered by hotel owners, private rental providers and car hire companies will now be passed on to the Spanish Ministry of Interior to bolster the country’s national security.
Visitors will now have to provide their:
Gender
Nationality
Date of birth
Home address
Landline phone number
Mobile phone number
Payment details and method
Relationship to any children in the travelling party under the age of 14.
Chris Harrington, Managing Director at travel experts hoppa, said: “Spain is introducing a wave of new travel regulations in 2025, following record-breaking visitor numbers. These new regulations have been put in place to manage mass tourism and public behaviour, and are extremely important to follow.”
“Failure to comply with new regulations can lead to holidaymakers being slapped with hundreds of euros, with more serious offences potentially incurring fines between €1,500 and €3,000.
“To help holiday makers enjoy their jolly without facing any unwanted charges, we’ve compiled a list of the 4 regulations you should be aware of.”
Chris added: “Spain is an incredibly popular tourist destination for British holidaymakers. But it’s more important than ever to be mindful and respectful when holidaying.
“By travelling with awareness of the local culture and regulations, you can contribute to a positive travel experience for yourself and others. Before travelling, it is a good idea to check the Spanish tourism board and ensure that you are abiding by the rules of the municipality you are visiting.”
Brits booking flights with easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, Jet2 and more airlines should take note of the rules around what alcohol you can and can’t bring on flight
03:00, 18 Jun 2025Updated 09:20, 18 Jun 2025
There are rules around what booze you can take on a plane(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Whether you’re buying some alcohol in duty-free or hoping to pack some bottles in your suitcase to save money on the other side, there are strict rules on what booze you can and can’t bring on planes.
Brits flying with the likes of easyJet, TUI, Jet2, British Airways and Ryanair should be aware of the rules before heading to the airport, or you could risk your drinks being confiscated.
That’s because there’s a little-known rule around the exact alcohol you can take on a flight – and it can catch some Brits out. It all comes down to the drink’s Alcohol By Volume (ABV), which measures how much alcohol is in a specific volume of a beverage. Airlines including easyJet and Ryanair have a ban on any alcohol with an ABV of over 70%.
If you bring alcohol on a flight, check the ABV as usually, airlines have a rule that if your drink’s ABV is over 24% then it must be sealed and packed in either an airport shopping bag or your cabin bag. This applies to alcohol that’s bought in duty-free too. Alcohol drinks with an ABV of under 24% are not usually subject to restrictions.
Airlines such as Jet2 or easyJet forbid you from drinking alcohol that you haven’t bought onboard(Image: Getty Images)
Then of course, if you’re planning to bring booze before you get to the gate, you’ll need to make sure your drinks also adhere to the 100ml liquid restrictions at airport security.
As for drinking on an aircraft? The law is pretty clear, stating that “a person must not enter any aircraft when drunk, or be drunk in any aircraft”. Those who break the rules could risk being denied boarding or, if they’re disruptive on the flight, could face fines or further action when they land.
Airlines such as Jet2 have a ban on you drinking your own booze – you’ll need to buy it from the drinks trolley and have it be poured by a cabin crew member. These rules can differ, so to make life a little easier we’ve rounded up individual airline rules around booze below.
easyJet
The airline’s website states: “You can bring alcohol bought in the airside departure lounge into the cabin, as long as it’s unopened. Alcohol must be lower than 70% abv, and packed either in an airport shopping bag or in your cabin bag. It’s strictly forbidden to drink any alcohol that has not been purchased on board the aircraft and those found consuming their own alcohol may face prosecution.”
Ryanair
The airline allows you to bring your duty-free bag with duty-free items into the cabin, alongside your cabin bags. (But be warned they do check them so it’s not necessarily an extra bag you can use for all of your belongings as a way to get around cabin rules). Meanwhile, “alcohol with an ABV of more than 70% (140% proof) is not permitted” on Ryanair flights.
TUI
The airline’s website allows “alcoholic beverages, containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume, when in retail packagings in receptacles not exceeding 5 L, with a maximum total net quantity per person of 5 L for such beverages”.
Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol by volume are not permitted, but those under 24% abv are not subject to restrictions (unless you’re taking them through airport security in which case the 100ml rule applies).
Jet2
Jet2’s website is clear: “You may not bring on board alcohol for the purposes of consumption whilst on the aircraft. For safety reasons we restrict the consumption of alcohol on board. Only alcoholic drinks purchased on board may be consumed during the flight. It is an offence to be drunk on any aircraft. Jet2.com reserves the right to serve alcoholic drinks to customers at our absolute discretion.”
Alcohol with an abv over 70% will not be allowed in either your checked or hand luggage.
British Airways
“There’s no limit on the number of alcoholic beverages you can travel with as long as their alcohol volume is below 24%,” a statement on the airline’s website reads. “You can bring up to five litres of alcohol with an alcohol volume between 24% and 70%. This can travel in your cabin bag if you purchased it in the airport duty-free shop, or you can pack in your checked baggage.
“Drinks above 70% alcohol volume are not permitted on board our aircraft in either checked baggage or hand baggage. Please see the hand baggage requirements section above for information about taking liquids in your hand baggage through the security check areas.”
BRITISH pubs could rake in a massive £32 million if Trooping the Colour was designated a bank holiday, beer bosses believe.
The British Beer and Pub Association say an extra 6.5 million pints would be pulled, pouring £5.5 million into the Treasury in VAT and £3 million in beer duty.
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Pubs could rake in a massive £32 million if Trooping the Colour was designated a bank holiday, beer bosses believeCredit: Getty
Booze bosses called for the King’s birthday to be marked every year with a three-day weekend.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the BBPA, said: “This weekend was a celebration of British tradition, nation and community.
“Our pubs are central to that story—bringing people together and boosting the economy.
“A bank holiday would not only honour our heritage but deliver a tangible economic and social dividend as communities come together and raise a glass to Beer Day Britain as well as celebrate everything that is great about Britain.”
She added that ministers should support pubs with a long-term plan that includes a cut to beer duty and fairer business rates.
While air passengers are allowed to carry alcoholic drinks into the cabins of most UK airlines, there are strict rules surrounding quantity, type and consumption
Flight attendants can sell you beers, wines and spirits on-board – but you’re banned from opening your own pre-bought bottles(Image: Getty)
Travellers are widely banned from consuming their own alcohol on-board a flight, but they are allowed to bring sealed bottles into the cabin.
There’s a whole host of restrictions travellers need to be aware of, and flicking open a can of beer or popping open a bottle of wine, unless you’ve bought it from a flight attendant, is strictly prohibited on all airlines.
It’s more than likely you’ve bought a discounted bottle of your favourite tipple at the duty-free shop in the departures lounge, but you will need to wait until you land to enjoy it responsibly.
Ryanair allows passengers to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages on board, so long as they fit within the airline’s cabin bag size and weight restrictions. However, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages are not permitted onboard.
You can carry alcohol purchased at duty free shops into the cabin(Image: Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF)
Additionally, alcohol with an ABV of more than 70% (140% proof) is not permitted onto the aircraft either through carry-on luggage or in your checked-in baggage.
If you wish to drink onboard, duty-free purchases of tobacco and alcohol may also be available on all flights to the EU from non-EU member states.
Jet2 explicitly states that passengers may not bring alcohol on board their carriers for the purposes of consumption whilst on the aircraft, with the brand reminding passengers that it is an offence to be drunk on any aircraft.
Only alcoholic drinks purchases on board can be consumed during the flight, but the airline reserves the right to serve alcoholic drinks to passengers at their absolute discretion.
Jet2 also states that passengers are not permitted to carry: “Items which in our reasonable opinion are unsuitable for carriage by reason of their weight, size or character or which are fragile or perishable or which may affect the safety, health or comfort of other passengers or crew, this may include hot or strong smelling foods and drinks”.
British Airways
When it comes to the carry of alcohol into the cabin, British Airways says there is no limit on the number of alcoholic beverages you can travel with as long as their alcohol volume is below 24%. Though consumption of your own alcoholic beverages onboard is prohibited.
Still, you can carry up to five litres of alcohol with an ABV between 24% and 70%. This can travel in your cabin bag if you purchased it in the airport duty-free shop. Drinks above 70% alcohol volume are not permitted on board any British Airways aircraft in either checked baggage or hand baggage.
Some airlines provide complimentary alcohol on long-haul flights, though they reserve the right to restrict the service of alcohol(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
TUI
TUI passengers are permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into the cabin with some stipulations. Alcoholic beverages containing more than 24% but no more than 70% ABV are permitted in checked baggage and carry-on baggage.
The beverages need to be in retail packaging and be no more than five litres per individual receptacle, with no more than five litres total net quantity per person for such beverages.
easyJet
easyJet passengers are permitted to bring alcohol bought in the airside departure lounge into the cabin, as long as it’s unopened. Alcohol must be lower than 70% abv, and packed either in an airport shopping bag or in your cabin bag.
It’s strictly forbidden to drink any alcohol that has not been purchased on board the aircraft and those found consuming their own alcohol may face prosecution.
Being drunk on a flight: The rules
Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary has more recently spoken out about drunk passengers causing mayhem on-board, after binge-drinking in the airport before getting onto the plane. In some heated incidents, brawls have erupted and cabin crew members have been assaulted.
He has called for a two-drink maximum restriction at airport bars to clamp down on this issue, which is not just confined to the budget airline. In the UK, it’s a criminal offence to board an aircraft while drunk, or to be drunk while on-board.
Fines of up to £5,000 can be slapped on offending passengers with up to two years in prison. Drunk customers who cause chaos mid-flight could face a huge £80,000 bill to cover the airline’s costs if it is forced to divert.
Travel Supermarket says: “The law also gives cabin crew significant authority. They have the right to refuse to serve alcohol to any passenger and if they believe someone is drunk, they can take measures to restrain them if necessary.”
Gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton pleaded no contest Tuesday to a DUI charge that stemmed from her arrest last month in her hometown of Fairmont, W.Va.
In a statement emailed to The Times, attorney Edmund J. Rollo said a Marion County judge fined his client $100. Rollo said that the amount is “consistent with sentencing guidelines for first-time, non-aggravated offenses in this jurisdiction.”
According to the Associated Press, Retton was pulled over on May 17 by police responding to a report about a Porsche being driven erratically. The 57-year-old former Olympic athlete is said to have smelled of alcohol, slurred her words and failed a field sobriety test. And officers said they observed a container of wine in the passenger seat.
Retton reportedly refused a roadside breath test and a blood test. She was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. Court records show Retton was released after posting a personal recognizance bond of $1,500.
“What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses,” Retton said in a statement released Tuesday by Rollo. “To my family, friends and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry. I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life. I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement and continued support.”
Retton became a household name during the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles, when she became the first U.S. gymnast to win Olympic gold in the all-around competition and won five medals overall.
On Oct. 10, 2023, Retton’s daughter, McKenna Kelley, revealed that her mother had “a very rare form of pneumonia” and was “fighting for her life” in intensive care without being covered by medical insurance. An online fundraiser has raised nearly $500,000 to help cover medical costs for Retton, who was released from the hospital later that month.
In a January 2024 interview with NBC News, Retton said she was “not great yet” in terms of her recovery. “I don’t know how long I’ll indefinitely need the oxygen,” she said while gesturing toward her nasal tube.
