booze

RAPPER Chris Brown footed a £160,240 booze bill during a wild night out in London.

The US star — on bail for assault — partied with his entourage in the capital ahead of his trial next year.

One session involved at least four bottles of £2,900-a-time Louis Roederer Cristal Magnum Champagne at the Selene nightclub, which promises “the epitome of ultimate pleasure”.

Days later, the West End club posted the anonymous megabucks receipt on social media.

Some of those who partied with him — including models and other rappers — have revealed Chris footed the bill.

His entourage also posted the receipt alongside shots of a private jet and luxury hotel suites from his ten-day visit, after he flew in on October 18.

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One insider told The Sun: “Chris lives life in the fast lane and thinks nothing of splashing out on the best there is.”

Brown is set to stand trial in London next October, accused of attacking music producer Abraham Diaw at the Tape club in Mayfair in 2023.

He denies ABH, attempted GBH and having an offensive weapon — a tequila bottle.

The rapper’s agents were approached for comment.

BOXING champion Ricky Hatton fought bravely not just in the ring but also with his own mental health struggles.

The legendary boxer, 46, previously spoke out about his battles outside the sport after retiring in 2012.

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Ricky was found dead at his home this morning, just months after he announced his return to the ring.

Boxer Ricky, who won 45 of his 48 pro fights during a glittering career, previously spoke about his struggles with depression and how he had fought back from the brink with his mental health and alcohol addiction.

Talking about his struggles, the multi-weight world champ told Radio 4 earlier this year: “I used to go to the pub, come back and sit there in the dark crying hysterically.”

He had also been open about the need for boxers to get more help after hanging up their gloves.

In the past, Ricky had also talked about how his life took a dark turn after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a 2007 fight in Las Vegas.

He explained how he overcame problems with drink, drugs and depression, and why mental health issues are so prevalent in boxing.

Ricky told BBC Sport: “If a boxer can come out and say they’re struggling and crying every day, it’s going to make a huge difference.

“Having gone through it, I now see it as my job to help those suffering with mental health.”

The boxing legend ballooned up in weight after his retirement as he struggled with alcohol abuse and depression, but got himself back on the straight and narrow three years ago for an exhibition bout with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera.

Ricky, nicknamed “the Hitman”, was incredibly popular among boxing fans and enjoyed fame both during his career and after announcing his 2012 retirement.

And he never shied away from his mental health battles, bravely fighting his demons for years after quitting the sport.

Ricky even shared just months ago that he was planning his comeback to boxing, with a fight set for December 2.

Speaking to SunSport earlier this year, he shared how he had been inspired by Oasis’ comeback tour, as well as his weight loss, to bring himself back into the ring.

He said: “It inspired a lot of people, you know, for me to get in shape again at the age I’m at.

“Especially bearing in mind all my problems I’ve had personally with mental health and stuff like that.

“It was nice for so many people to come up to me and go, ‘Oh, I’ve always struggled with my weight and to see you get it off at your age.’

“I’ve always struggled with my mental health and I’ve had my problems.

“And to see where you were a few years ago to what you’re doing now, it’s inspirational.”

Ricky had first retired from the sport in 2011 before announcing a comeback fight in 2012.

However, his ill-fated bout against Vyacheslav Senchenko led to his immediate retirement in November that year.

But inspired by the Gallagher brothers, who also walked him to the ring for his 2008 win over Pauli Malignaggi, Ricky was looking forward to a return to the spotlight, 13 years after his last professional bout.

ON ‘P***head Corner’, a group of worse-for-wear locals tuck into cans of cheap beer while commuters hurry past on their way to work.

Charity shops, boarded up stores and nail salons dominate the high street, while drug deals take place in broad daylight and drunks brazenly swig from bottles of spirits. 

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Yet this scene of deprivation is just yards from the picturesque seafront of South Shields, with a stunning stretch of golden sands and a recently regenerated promenade.

This weekend 60,000 athletes will cross the finish line of the Great North Run, running a mile along the coastline at Sandhaven Beach, after competing the gruelling race from Newcastle. 

But beyond the funfair, restaurants and elegant Victorian park close to sands, the rundown streets tell a story of years of neglect and residents speak of a dark underbelly of crime, alcoholism and drug taking. 

Steven Smith was once a successful painter and decorator but is now a self-confessed alcoholic desperately trying to get sober. 

We speak to him at the town’s transport interchange, dubbed “P***head Corner” due to its popularity among drinkers.

The 42-year-old said: “Having the Great North Run is all well and good but the crime rate is diabolical.

“I got beat up just last night. It was for no reason at all. I was walking through the row of shops in the centre and I ended up in hospital. I woke up there. 

“There were three lads and they jumped me for nothing. They were probably trying to steal from me but it knocked me out.

“I’m walking and talking and that’s the main thing, but it’s not nice. They did it because they are a***holes, and it didn’t surprise me to be honest. 

“South Shields is getting worse for it. The town was given some money a while ago but it hasn’t been spent wisely.

“I don’t take drugs but I’m an alcoholic trying to ween myself off.

“The other day I walked around the corner and saw someone smoking a crack pipe in front of kids.”

Steven believes the town’s younger population are at risk of falling into the same trap.

The other day I walked around the corner and saw someone smoking a crack pipe in front of kids

Steven Smith

He added: “I had some kids ask me last week to go in the shop for them to buy drink. They couldn’t have been older than 13 or 14.

“I told them I wasn’t going to do it. I don’t want to encourage anyone to drink. It ruins lives.”

Addiction crisis

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Damning data from the Office of National Statistics speaks of an alcohol crisis engulfing the town and the surrounding area. 

Across 2022 to 2023, 777 per 100,000 people in South Tyneside were admitted to hospital for an alcohol-related reason. The figure was sky high compared to the rate of 475 across England as a whole. 

During the same time period, 62 per 100,000 under 18s were admitted as a result of consuming booze, while the England rate stood at just 26.

The number of people suffering from alcoholic liver disease in South Tyneside was also nearly double the national rate. There were 304 per 100,000 in the region, compared to 156 in England.

By mid-morning, groups of men and women eagerly waited outside the town’s pubs ahead of opening time. 

Meanwhile, a gaunt couple were handed a package by a furtive-looking man before rushing from the bustle of the interchange. 

People are always on drugs giving you abuse when you walk past. Even if you have a child with you, they do it all the time.

Ex-McDonald’s worker Chloe Mycock

Ex-McDonald’s worker Chloe Mycock used to dread taking breaks during shifts at the nearby fast food restaurant due to unsavoury characters loitering outside.

Chloe, now 21, said: “Alcoholism is a major issue. People are always on drugs giving you abuse when you walk past.

“Even if you have a child with you, they do it all the time. Groups of kids go through the bus station on bikes and they will harass you without a care.

“One hundred per cent it makes me wary of going outside on my own.

“I used to work at McDonald’s and I would come and sit outside on my breaks to get some fresh air. But there would be crowds of people outside and it made me feel unsafe.

“This was during the day so I definitely would not feel safe coming out at night-time.

“I think a lot of these people come from certain parts on the outskirts of the town and they congregate together in the centre.”

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Retired police officer Dave Binding, 81, added: “The place is dirty, although it is the same as anywhere else these days.

“People used to come home after work, get changed, and go for a night out.

“But now they might have a quick drink and then go home and stay there, perhaps due to fear of walking the streets.

“There are places around here that are no-go areas, which common sense dictates you stay away from.

People used to come home after work, get changed, and go for a night out. But now they might have a quick drink and then go home and stay there, perhaps due to fear of walking the streets

Retired police officer Dave Binding

“But I ask, what more can you do? We have a country that we deserve now, not one that we want.

“I’m seeing the problem happen more often with drinks in South Shields. I feel sorry for the staff at A&E because it must be like a conveyer belt.

“They must tell each other ‘I saw him yesterday’ but what more can they do?

“This place suffers from the same rash – the same nail bars, the same barbers and second-hand shops.”

Child poverty

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A recent BBC study ranked a third of the neighbourhoods in South Tyneside among the most deprived in the country.

The child poverty crisis was deemed so severe the council recently announced a four-point plan in a desperate bid to reduce levels.

In 2020 to 2021, around 39 per cent of children in the South Tyneside area were living in poverty according to council data.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators will flock to the town to watch the competitors finish the 42nd Great North Run, which was founded in 1981, when just 12K took part. 

The event was masterminded by former Olympic medallist Brendan Foster who wanted to create a fun run in his home region. Mo Farah dubbed the 2013 race his favourite ever, despite not winning, due to the tremendous support from the sidelines. 

One woman, who didn’t want to be named, said: “The Great North Run is great for the area but people only ever see the nicer part of South Shields at the coast when it’s on TV.

“I don’t think the people who come here for the run will to rush to return.

“People used to come to this area to live but now they try and get out because there’s nothing here.

“Kids these days hang around on their bikes outside of McDonald’s and people don’t feel safe.

I don’t venture out in the town when it’s dark because people are up to no good on their bikes

Anonymous

“Child poverty is definitely an issue in the town. A lot of the younger generation don’t go on to higher education.

“If they’re not lucky enough to grow up in a nicer area, they often get stuck in a poverty cycle.

“There aren’t many jobs and people have to travel elsewhere.

“The foodbank in nearby Hebburn gets really busy.

“I don’t venture out in the town when it’s dark because people are up to no good on their bikes.”

Intoxicated groups

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Sarah Wytcherley, a 40-year-old warehouse worker, said: “Crowds of intoxicated people gather in the town all of the time.

“They sit outside the bus interchange and that’s not what people want to see when they’re visiting the town for the first time.

“It has always been a problem with Shields as far as I’m aware. It doesn’t look very nice.”

One worker at the interchange believes police have been making an effort to move on the hoards of drunks.

He said: “It has been bad. It is has gone downhill as a whole. You see them spiced out of their heads and it puts fear into people.

“There was an incident not long ago where a kid on a bike hurt a disabled guy. It doesn’t look good for town at all.”

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Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council told The Sun: “The Great North Run showcases the beauty and spirit of our borough.

“But behind the scenes, we’re working every day to make sure that spirit is felt in every neighbourhood – tackling inequality, improving safety, and creating opportunity for all.

“We’ve never shied away from the challenges some of our communities face and we have worked hard to tackle them head on, targeting our support to make things fairer across the borough and redress inequalities.

“We know that issues like child poverty and alcohol-related harm have a real impact on people’s lives, and that’s why we’ve taken bold, proactive steps to address them.

“We’ve launched the North East’s first Child Poverty Strategy, bringing together partners across the region to take coordinated action — from working closely with schools and providing baby boxes to new parents to helping parents with the costs of school uniforms, school meals and holiday activities.

“We’re also refreshing our Alcohol Strategy to confront the borough’s high rates of alcohol-related deaths. This includes improving access to support services, challenging cultural norms around drinking, and tackling health inequalities head-on.

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“To tackle long-term challenges, we’re investing in both our places and our people. Our regeneration plans go beyond the seafront — they’re about creating opportunity across the borough.

“The relocation of South Tyneside College into the town centre, backed by millions in external funding, will breathe new life into South Shields.

“Through the Community Regeneration Partnership, we’re also delivering real improvements in Hebburn, Jarrow and beyond. Programmes like South Tyneside Works and regional skills initiatives are helping residents access training and support.

“And by attracting major employers, we’re creating jobs and helping local people step into them.”

Superintendent Lisa Laverick, of Northumbria Police, said: “Alongside our partner organisations, we strive to make South Tyneside as safe as possible a place for people to live, work and visit.

“As a Force, we fully understand the detrimental impact that crime can have on the lives of residents and always aim to tackle these issues head on using a range of tactics.

“We carry out a number of proactive operations during each year, including Project Shield patrols which aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and serious violence incidents while also engaging with our communities to retain and build their trust in us.

“We also run the Safer Transport Northumbria initiative which allows commuters to raise any issues while using public transport with us, while our dedicated Metro Unit regularly patrols the Metro network to identify any criminality and take the appropriate action.

“This has helped us to achieve a 19 per cent fall in the number of recorded ASB incidents in South Tyneside in the past year, and our focus remains on improving this even further.

“Our teams do their utmost to build on our ever-growing intelligence picture so that we can target offenders and get them before the courts to face justice.

“As ever, we rely on the support and assistance of our community so please continue to work with us by providing information on crime or suspicious activity if you become aware of it in your neighbourhood.

“Together, we can keep South Tyneside the welcoming borough it is.”

MOLLY-Mae Hague’s sister Zoe seems to have forgiven Tommy Fury as he recovers from his alcohol misuse.

Fans of the former Love Island couple saw how Zoe warned her younger sister from reuniting with Tommy after their split last year.

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Molly-Mae gave people a raw view into her split from the boxer, and the reasons behind it in her Amazon Prime docuseries Behind It All.

The influencer explained Tommy’s alcohol use played a big role in their split, and Zoe is seen warning Molly-Mae from getting back together with him in a tense exchange.

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.

Tommy and Molly-Mae recently confirmed they were an item again after splitting last August.

They are now working hard to put past cheating allegations and Tommy’s alcohol-fuelled partying problems behind them.

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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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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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.”

The Sun revealed on Wednesday the couple had split, with Andy unfollowing celebrity make-up artist Lou, 41, on social media.

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.”

In June, we reported Carroll was twice quizzed by police over bust-ups with Lou during a break on Greek party island Mykonos.

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.

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.”

Last September, the Sun on Sunday reported Andy and Billi, who have three children, were divorcing after two years of marriage.

The couple started dating in 2013, soon after he joined West Ham.
And he popped the question during a romantic holiday in Rome in 2014.

That year Billi said: “He is one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met.”

Gateshead-born Carroll, who has two children from a previous relationship, has often been in the news over his romps, brawls and court cases.

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He said meeting Billi turned his life around.

Carroll’s boyhood dreams came true when he began his professional football career with Newcastle United in 2006.

The big centre-forward was soon a hit with Toon fans, following in the footsteps of another local idol Alan Shearer.

In 2009-10, Carroll scored 17 goals in 39 games, and 11 in nine games the following season.

In 2011, he earned a £35million transfer to Liverpool, a then record fee for a British player.

At his peak he was picked for England in nine games between 2010-2012, including scoring against Sweden at Euro 2012.

I love Lou and I love her family, we row like any couple

What he told us this week

He was sold by Liverpool to West Ham but struggled with a series of injuries.

His career saw him moving on to a succession of clubs including back to Newcastle, later to Reading and then West Brom.

Carroll’s career, although full of ups and downs, has brought him enormous sums of money.

In May 2019, he was listed as the 14th wealthiest sports person aged 30 or under in The Sunday Times Rich List.

His fortune at the time was said to have increased to £19million.

Visitors to the town of Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, will have to abide by new local ordnance that prohobits several common activities enjoyed by holidaymaking Brits

A sun-drenched holiday hotspot could fine rulebreaking Brits more than £400 after it introduced sweeping bans restricting a slew of typical summer activities.

Italian officials in Portofino, a stunning coastal town on the country’s Riviera in Liguria typically swimming with thousands of tourists at a time, have introduced bans after growing weary of the massive activity. From today, new ordinance will prevent the up to 100,000 people who travel there a year from walking barefoot, enjoying picnics, and drinking booze on the community’s streets.

The ordnance, which has been introduced to protect the “peace and quiet of residents and tourists”, also introduces a series of other bans.

READ MORE: Brits abroad warned to brace for more summer holiday protests from anti-tourists

Signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, it prevents people from walking through the town barefoot, topless, or while wearing nothing more than swimwear.

Per the rules, alcohol can only be consumed in restaurants, bars and designated areas, with begging and lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and in local parks also banned. The new rules come into effect immediately, and will last throughout the summer season, when thousands of Brits will be mingling with the roughly 400 locals during a picturesque summer break.

Those who break the rules will risk a potential hefty fine, with penalties ranging from as low as £22 to up to £433 as Italian officials try to discourage unruly tourists.

Portofino has jostled with problem visitors for years, with the increasingly popular town having hit headlines years ago for similar restrictive measures. In 2023, officials banned tourists from visiting several local vantage points, officially citing concerns over local pedestrian footfall.

The earlier crackdown led to the creation of “no-waiting zones” in which tourists were prevented from pausing at locations – usually the most popular ones – deemed especially crowded or prone to bottlenecking.

Much like the latest raft of bans, rule flouters were threatened with hefty – although less pricey – fines. Anyone caught on the wrong side of the ordnance was ordered to pay up €275 (£242), with town administrators stressing at the time that, again like the latest rules, they were meant to protect the local quality of life.

Mayor Viacava told news outlet Leggo the rules were placed after select areas of the Portofino borough became so crowded that police were called in to “control pedestrians”.

He said: “The ordinance prohibits gatherings in certain areas of the borough where getting around is so difficult that police must be called in to control pedestrians. This is a common sense safety measure.” He added in a statement to Il Secolo XIX.: “Our goal is not to drive tourists away or discourage them from visiting.

“Everyone must do their part to contribute to the beauty of Portofino by behaving properly.”

A study comparing the price of drinks on airlines including Ryanair, easyjet and Jet2 to those available in the supermarket has found the budget carriers have big mark-ups in place

Passengers jetting out to holiday destinations face a significant mark-up on drinks onboard planes.

The airport pint/pints before flying is now as ingrained a part of British culture as donating a tin of beans for Harvest Festival or regular portions of chicken tikka masala. Drinking on the plane, however, is a more complex pursuit. Often the portions are small, the drinks trolley infrequent, and the prices high.

New data from Kadi Luggage show the prices you’re likely to fork out when flying with budget airlines, including easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2, and the markups facing customers. According to the study, in some cases prices can soar up to 289% above supermarket rates.

READ MORE: Spanish holiday hotspots call in hundreds of police to deal with unruly Brits

On easyJet, wine costs up to £6.60, and beer £5.60, while Ryanair charges £6.84 for wine. Meanwhile although Jet2 ranks as the most affordable UK airline for in-flight drinks, it still trails far behind international competitors, with prices significantly higher than those offered by Iberia Express and Transavia France.

By contrast, top-scoring airlines like Spain’s Iberia Express charge nearly £2 less per drink, offering beer for just £3.85.

“UK carriers are enforcing stricter alcohol policies, yet are not offering much value to passengers in return,” says Harry Saunders, CEO of Kadi Luggage. “We expect to pay more at altitude, but these prices are eye-watering, especially for everyday brands you can get for a third of the price on the ground. And when comparing globally to leading European airlines, Brits really are overpaying for a basic drink at 30,000 feet.”

READ MORE: Easy trick can help your bag be one of the first on the carousel and it’s freeREAD MORE: UKHSA has issued an important warning for anyone with holidays booked in July

UK and Irish airlines consistently fall short on value for money, with European counterparts offering better-priced drinks across all categories.

Overall, the cheapest airline was Iberia Express, which offered beer for £3.85, wine for £5.56, and spirits for £5.13. At the other end of the scale was flyDubai, where beer will set you back £8.03, wine the same price and spirits £8.77.

Jet2 is the cheapest UK or Irish airline that was ranked, serving up £5.60 beer, £6 wine and £6 spirits. Ryanair was next up thanks to its £5.56 beer, £6.84 wine and £5.99 spirits. This compared favourably to easyJet, where beer cost £5.60, wine £6.90 and spirits £6.60.

The study looked at the price mark-ups customers face. They included:

• A 289% mark-up on easyJet for a 330ml bottle of Morretti, which costs £1.53 in the supermarket and £5.95 onboard.
• A 264% mark-up on Ryanair for the same beer, that costs £5.56 on the Irish budget airline.
• A 193% mark-up on Jet2 for a BrewDog Punk IPA, that cost £1.91 in a supermarket and £5.65 on the plane.

Supermarket prices are according to sainsburys.co.uk at the beginning of July. The study analysed online in-flight menu prices for each airline, retrieving prices for beer, wine and spirits. All prices were converted to GBP.

EasyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 have been contacted for comment.

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

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.

READ MORE: Brits in Benidorm warned of 3 little-known beach rules that can land them hefty finesREAD MORE: 4 key passport checks Brits need to do before Spain, France and Greece holidays

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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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.

IF you had a boozy bank holiday weekend, you might have a few empty bottles lying around.

Before you ditch them, try these great upcycling tricks to turn them into something new.

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LIGHT WORK: Clean out wine bottles and remove labels by soaking them in warm, soapy water.

Fill with battery-powered fairy lights, £3 at Poundland, for an instant glow and garden ambiance.

FLOWER POWER: Turn gin bottles into sleek vases by soaking off labels and painting with a light-coloured beige or cream matte paint using tester pots, from £1.50 at B&Q.

It will give your vase an on-trend ceramic look. Wrap twine around the neck for rustic charm. It will be perfect for displaying garden cuttings or supermarket blooms.

CLEAN UP: Ditch ugly detergent bottles by decanting them into a pretty empty bottle.

Gin bottles especially are a great swap for holding your washing-up liquid instead of the unsightly plastic bottles.

You can even buy a budget pourer or pump to place on top of your bottle for £2.50 at amazon.co.uk.

MINI SAVER: When thoroughly washed, use slim half-sized vodka bottles as toothbrush holders or a place to hold your cotton wool in the bathroom.

If you are crafty, these smaller bottles also are great to stash away for birthdays and Christmas gifts, just add homemade bath salts for a thoughtful budget present.

BEER WE GO: Carefully cut the tops off clean beer bottles with a £5 glass cutter from Homebase or Screwfix — it is a lot easier to do this than you would think.

Then use them as mini tumblers, or mini plant pots to grow your own herbs, taken from sprigs of supermarket bunches. Try growing basil or mint and place on a sunny windowsill.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability

Deal of the day

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YOU can eat outdoors tonight if you pick up the Milano table and chairs patio set with parasol. It was £100 now £70 at B&M.

SAVE: £30

Cheap treat

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SCOFF a Wall’s mini Twister after dinner. A pack of six was £2.75 now £1.85 at Iceland.

SAVE: 90p

What’s new?

PRET is celebrating today’s bank holiday with a picnic of sorts.

Selected stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and Liverpool will be giving away a free sandwich to the first 50 people called Nick today.

Top swap

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IF you are a fan of the cult Aesop Reverence Aromatique hand wash, £33, from spacenk.com, head to Lidl this week.

Its similar Deluxe Aromatic hand wash is on sale for £2.99. In-store only.

SAVE: £30.01

Little helper

KIDS eat free at Cote this half-term. Until June 1, families can enjoy delicious French food and children get two complimentary courses when parents spend at least £20.

Shop & save

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ADD these tasty Itsu Bao buns to your freezer for a speedy meal in the future. Previously £3.95, now £3 at Morrisons.

SAVE: 95p

Hot right now

GET down to Marks & Spencer for a sale on selected toys, reduced by up to 50 per cent.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

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JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

SAUDI Arabia will lift its long-standing booze ban at 600 tourist sites by 2026 — in a boozy bid to attract visitors ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup and 2030 Expo.

In a shock U-turn, the ultra-conservative Kingdom will allow the sale of wine, beer, and cider at licensed locations including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and expat-friendly compounds.

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Booze will still be banned in public, homes, shops, and fan zones — with spirits off the menu altogether under strict new rules.

The dramatic policy shift is part of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s Vision 2030 drive to boost international tourism, lure foreign cash and shake off its teetotal image.

Officials hope controlled alcohol sales in glitzy areas like Neom, Sindalah Island and the Red Sea Project will help the country compete with Gulf rivals like the UAE and Bahrain — where boozing is already legal in tourist zones.

Licensed venues will operate under a tightly regulated system, with trained staff and strict rules to prevent abuse and uphold the Kingdom’s Islamic values.

The goal, authorities said, “is to welcome the world without losing cultural identity — positioning Saudi Arabia as a progressive, yet respectful player on the global tourism map.”

The plan is set to roll out in 2026 — eight years before the World Cup kicks off — and comes amid growing pressure to modernise the Kingdom’s image.

Several global hotel chains are already rejigging their blueprints to accommodate booze zones, with tourism bosses eyeing a flood of new jobs and international investment.

It follows a dry storm earlier this year when Saudi’s ambassador to the UK announced alcohol will be banned entirely at the 2034 World Cup, sparking fury among England fans.

Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud told LBC radio in February: “There is no alcohol at all, rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.

“Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.

“It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”

Fan Tim Bailey fumed on X: “Their country, their rules. But why the f*** would anyone want to go there anyway?”

One supporter added: “Weird . . . they always want everyone else to change their culture for them.”

But now, Saudi insiders hope the new booze policy will silence critics and show the country is ready to party — with limits.

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Sources say the model is inspired by successful alcohol rollouts in Dubai and Manama, where tight control has boosted tourism and business without trashing tradition.

The Kingdom insists this will not be a free-for-all — and anyone caught misusing the system will face swift consequences.

“Sales will only happen under controlled environments, with licensed service staff and clear operational rules in place to make sure alcohol is handled responsibly and respectfully,” a government statement read.

Spirits and hard liquor above 20% ABV will remain banned, with no sign of shops, takeaways or home brewing being permitted.

DANI Dyer is preparing for the WAG lifestyle as she sported West Ham kit for her second hen do ahead of her lavish wedding.

The reality star, 28, got engaged to West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen last July.

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Dani and her close friends and family jetted to Ibiza on Friday for more pre-wedding celebrations.

The TV star shared Instagram stories of her on the flight with a bottle of Limoncello in her hand.

She flashed a big smile while wearing heart-shaped sunglasses, a veil on her head and a lace garter around the leg.

In a major nod to her future husband, Dani wore West Ham United’s traditional kit, with a claret shirt with blue sleeves, white shorts, and white socks.

On the back of the t-shirt had ‘Mrs Bowen to be’, with Jarrod’s jersey number 20.

This isn’t the first hen party Dani’s had in recent weeks.

In April, Dani took to Instagram to share a peek into her lavish first hen do.

The clip showed her dancing with former Love Island co-star Georgia Steel, while younger sister Sunnie was also in attendance.

Dani captioned: “The most perfect special night with all my nearest and dearest.

“Why do I feel so emotional about it all hahaha…. finally all starting to feel so real and I’m just so excited.”

A follower commented: “You look amazing! Xxx.”

While another penned: “So so happy for you.”

Dani looked stunning as she wore a sheer corset beaded dress at the celebration.

Her off-the-shoulder wedding frock had sleeves embroidered with the words “To Be Bowen”.

She also flashed her huge engagement ring in the snaps, along with a glimpse of the ruched detail on the bottom of the dress.

Meanwhile, the star wore her hair in a classy half updo with loose curls and finished her look with flawless bronzed makeup.

It comes as Dani previously shared her fears over her fiancé’s stag do – as actor dad Danny Dyer revealed racy plans.

The father-daughter duo discussed Dani’s upcoming nuptials – as well as Jarrod’s stag-do on their Live and Let Dyers podcast.

Dani said: “If you can go, Jarrod gets back on the Thursday and we’re married Saturday.”

At this point, Danny, 47, swiftly interjected by cheering: “Strippers!”

His daughter, however, proceeded to disagree with this possibility, saying “no, you’re not.”

She added: “We had a butler in the buff, but we had to draw him. We had to draw the naked man.”

The Marching Powder actor remarked: “That’s what we would do. We’d probably draw the…”

Dani cut in: “It’s different, I’m sorry, it’s so different.”

Dani and Jarrod got engaged last summer on a romantic boat trip in Ibiza, having escaped for a minibreak.

The couple left their one-year-old twin daughters Star and Summer at home with family, along with Dani’s son Santiago, three, from a previous relationship.

Speaking previously to Fabulous, Dani revealed: “We’ve found the venue, which is beautiful. It’s giving Bridgerton vibes. I want violins. 

“I’m just praying it doesn’t rain. We’re getting married in the UK, so you never know!”

She added that their wedding “is very family-focused” with their twin daughters as flower girls.

“Jarrod’s little brother and my little Santi will be page boys,” she continued. 

How Dani Dyer transformed her reputation

The daughter of everyone’s favourite EastEnders geezer Danny, is currently living the high life.

But Dani has had a rollercoaster few years, from her Love Island win back in 2018, to watching her son’s father Sammy Kimmence go to prison for fraud, and now navigating her glamourous new life as a WAG and mother of twin babies.

In recent years, Dani has completely shaken off the ‘chav’ persona, and has become one of the most well-known of the current England WAGs.

Fabulous spoke to celebrity PR expert Ed Hopkins to find out the key steps Dani has taken to reinvent herself, including the tips she has borrowed from iconic WAG Cheryl Cole.

Ed revealed that Dani’s ability to navigate personal challenges, such as the scandal involving Sammy, has greatly played a crucial role in her reinvention.

Ed said: “By openly discussing her struggles and triumphs, she has built a strong, relatable persona.

“Her transparency about her personal life, including solo parenting and dealing with public scrutiny, has garnered significant public support and empathy.”

He also shared that Dani’s openness in discussing the challenges of motherhood, has helped to transform her reputation.

Ed said: “This openness has made her more relatable to a broader audience, particularly young mothers. She balances her public image by sharing both the joys and hardships of parenting, creating a more nuanced and authentic brand.”

Dani is often seen supporting West Ham winger Jarrod, including during England’s devastating loss to Spain in the 2024 Euros.

Her unwavering support for her partner, has cemented her as one of the most well-known WAGS of this generation, according to Ed.

He said: “Her active support for Jarrod, including attending football matches and engaging with fans, mirrors the strategies used by high-profile WAGs like Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham, who also stood by their partners publicly and built their own identities alongside them.”

Not only this, but Ed revealed that Dani has been able to stay relevant over the years due to her candid use of social media.

He said: “Dani has consistently used media platforms to share her narrative, from interviews to social media updates.

“She has managed to stay relevant by engaging with her followers through candid posts and professional collaborations.

“This approach is reminiscent of how Victoria Beckham transitioned from pop stardom to a respected fashion designer, using media to reframe her public image.”

“My brother Arty is going to be a groomsman.

“Then I’ve got six bridesmaids. Knowing Dad, he will be an emotional wreck.

“He’s already planning his speech, too, but I’m not worried. 

“I’m more concerned about Jarrod’s best man. He’s very cheeky.”

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