The Parliamentary panel on Civil Aviation’s recommendation to allow liquor to be served on domestic flights is welcomed with bouquets and brickbats. A PT report

Here's good news for all those children of Bacchus who have been missing their favourite drinks on domestic flights. The Parliamentary panel on Civil Aviation has strongly recommended that liquor be allowed in domestic flights. And, what’s more, the government is seriously considering the move.

But, is it wise to serve alcohol on domestic flights especially when drinking on board was banned in the late ’90s because of brawls and misbehaviour? Says Rohit Gera, executive director of a real estate company, “I am all for the decision about serving liquor on domestic flights. When international airplanes can serve it, why shouldn’t the domestic flights?” He goes on to explain that India is an integral part of the global economy and, if a certain passenger is paying for the services, he must get all the facilities that one gets on international flights. “It’s not that someone will get overly drunk if this service is introduced,” he says.

Satish Magar, director of Magarpatta City, too, is supportive of the parliamentary panel’s recommendation. “There should not be any problem introducing this service as long as people don’t take undue advantage of it,” he feels.

However, not everyone is happy with such a move. Says actor Irrfan Khan, “It is just not necessary. There are other serious issues like air traffic control, for instance, which need more attention rather than enjoying a glass of wine on a flight.”

Similarly, Anjanav Dhar, an entrepreneur, also feels that liquor shouldn’t be served on domestic flights, as it will send wrong signals. Says he, “If they start serving liquor, then they must also allow passengers to smoke!”

As for the airlines, they have chosen to remain non-committal on the issue. “Whatever the government decides for us, we will adhere to it,” says an Air India spokesperson.
  Well, opinions may be divided on the issue. But, there are many raising a toast to the government’s recommendations.