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There has been much chat about Britain’s vices lately. This week, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary blamed too much alcohol for the increased levels of violence and antisocial behaviour in airports and on planes. He said flyers should be allowed no more than two drinks in airports, while Wetherspoon’s boss Tim Martin naturally came out in firm opposition. Today, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that the Government will consider banning smoking outside pubs, clubs and sports stadiums. But does the public really buy into all this puritanism?
Well, yes. A new YouGov poll suggests that 62% of people support O’Leary’s suggested drinks cap in airports, with only 9% strongly opposing the prohibition. As for smoking, the same pollster shows that 58% of those surveyed would support a smoking ban in beer gardens and outdoor restaurants. Starmer might have trouble implementing this for 2025’s summer of cigarettes and alcohol…
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SubscribeAlways be wary of polls. There’s a great episode of “Yes, Prime Minister” where Jim Hacker agrees with, and then disagrees with, the idea of conscription, simply being led by Sir Humphery, who asks leading questions.