Ryanair announces ban on duty free alcohol on flights from UK to Ibiza

Ryanair has announced that passengers travelling from the UK to Ibiza will not be allowed to consume alcohol bought in duty free, following a string of “anti-social incidents” on its flights.

Customers were informed, via an email from the airline, that duty-free alcohol taken on board their flights from the UK to the Balearic islands will now have to be tagged and stored under aircraft — with those attempting to conceal alcohol risking removal from their flight, with no refund or compensation.

The decision comes after fifteen people were removed from a flight from Manchester to Ibiza in April due to drunken behaviour, causing a delay of five hours. The airline expanded that anyone displaying “signs of anti-social behaviour”, would also be removed from its routes to the White Isle.

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The email, explains that the new rules have been put in place "in order to prioritise the comfort and safety of all passengers”, and by extension the employees, who must now thoroughly search all cabin bags before boarding, and can deny access to customers deemed unfit for travel.

The changes are sure to be met with approval from Balearic authorities, who last year began a campaign to curb excessive binge drinking on the islands — banning drink deals, pub crawls, party boats and restricting the sale of alcohol in shops and off-licences.

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Money saving measures which encourage tourists to consume more alcohol, such as happy hours and two-for-one drinks, have also been banned by these governments. Establishments who continue to violate these rules risk fines of between €60,000 to €600,000, along with the closure of their business for up to three years.

Those on all-inclusive holidays face similar restrictions, as a six drink a day cap, three with lunch and three in the evening, has also been introduced.

Individuals found breaking these restrictions are subject to hefty fines of between €1000 to €6000.

Tiffany Ibe is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram