Authorities want to ban alcohol on flights to Ibiza

Flights to popular tourist locations like Ibiza and Mallorca may soon be dry as authorities on the Balearic Islands are moving to ban alcohol in order to combat what they call “anti-social tourism”.

The recent move was sparked by an increase in brawls and sexual behaviour taking place on flights, which have apparently been fueled by alcohol. The ban is not just for flights, however, as authorities on the Balearic Islands are pleading with Spain and the European Union to also ban alcohol in airports.

According to the Guardian, Pilar Carbonell, the person overseeing tourism for the Balearic Islands, outlined why the alcohol ban is necessary.

Carbonell said: “We ask the central government and the European commission to ban the consumption of alcoholic drinks on flights and in airports… to guarantee security ... and tackle anti-social tourism”.

Carbonell’s statement also expressed that the main goal is to aid security and ensure passenger safety: “The aim of the measure is to improve passenger security and also that of security forces in planes and airports in our islands, who are often faced with drunk passengers”.

It’s not yet clear whether the initiative is to ban alcohol on flights specifically heading to the Balearic Islands or on all EU flights.

Harrison is Mixmag's East Coast Editor. Follow him on Twitter here