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Discuss this article (25 Comments)Gulf Air rapped over alcohol
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Wednesday, 16 April 2008
DRINKS BAN: An Islamist MP has said Gulf Air staff were upset over its insistence on serving alcohol to passengers during flights.
An Islamist MP said on Tuesday he would introduce a bill to ban the sale of alcohol on Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air.
Mohammed Khalid, representing the Muslim Brotherhood offshoot Al Menbar, said he was in talks with other political groups and MPs to ensure the state-owned airline complied “with the constitution of Bahrain that states Islam is the official religion and the source of its legislation.”
“Many of the people working for the airline are upset over its insistence on serving alcoholic beverages and this is against their religious beliefs and values since Islam condemns those who drink and those who offer wine,” said Khalid, in a statement reported by UAE daily Gulf News.
“I urge all airlines here to follow the decision of Bahrain Air and to comply with our religious values and stop offering alcoholic drinks,” he added.
Gulf Air announced earlier this month it was to completely overhaul its image to coincide with an expansion of its fleet of 35 aircraft.
The carrier began a major restructuring operation in April last year after it was revealed it was losing around $1 million a day.
READERS' COMMENTS
Disclaimer: The views expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by ArabianBusiness.com or its employees.
Choice
Posted by Rainigade, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 23 April 2008 at 10:32 UAE time
I think some comments may come across as one-sided. However, the most important point is being missed in this discussion - the freedom of choice!
If people want to drink - either Westerner or not, they should have the choice to drink.
Those that dont, for religious reasons or otherwise, should have the choice not to.
Why is tolerance becoming such a rarity these days? Surely all religions and the very basis of humanity (for those agnostics & atheists out there) advocate peace, love and goodwill to all?
Generalisations such as "westerners dont respect the rules" are really unfair and untrue. The same could be said about SOME Muslims in Europe. People are just people and regardless of where they come from or what religion they follow, some follow the rules and some dont. Some have manners and some dont. Some have tolerance and some dont.
Banning something in the name of a religion and affecting a private business, resulting in loss of profits, jobs etc., simply isn't logic or good business sense.
Posted by Rainigade, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 23 April 2008 at 10:32 UAE time
I think some comments may come across as one-sided. However, the most important point is being missed in this discussion - the freedom of choice!
If people want to drink - either Westerner or not, they should have the choice to drink.
Those that dont, for religious reasons or otherwise, should have the choice not to.
Why is tolerance becoming such a rarity these days? Surely all religions and the very basis of humanity (for those agnostics & atheists out there) advocate peace, love and goodwill to all?
Generalisations such as "westerners dont respect the rules" are really unfair and untrue. The same could be said about SOME Muslims in Europe. People are just people and regardless of where they come from or what religion they follow, some follow the rules and some dont. Some have manners and some dont. Some have tolerance and some dont.
Banning something in the name of a religion and affecting a private business, resulting in loss of profits, jobs etc., simply isn't logic or good business sense.
Drinking vs. Smoking
Posted by Angry in Amwaj, Amwaj, Bahrain on Wednesday 23 April 2008 at 10:14 UAE time
Every time a person smokes, they affect not only their own health, but the health of those around them. Yes, a smoker is not only producing this disturbing noxious assortment within their own environment, but also the environment of any unfortunate individuals in close proximity. This means, I'm within breathing distance of a smoker, I'm also breathing in toxic detritus with possible adverse effects on my own health.
Drinking does not immediately adversely affect others within the drinker's proximity. It is true that alcohol abuse can, in some instances, affect others; an inebriated driver can be a danger to other drivers or pedestrians; an alcoholic can cause emotional or psychological distress to his or her family and friends, etc. Yet unlike smokers, if you're sitting next to a person who is drinking, they're not invading your environment with a flood of toxic substances.
The bottom line is that smoking is disgusting. In essence, one is igniting a collection of combustible materials, and inhaling the resulting toxic gases into one's system. This revolting collection of chemicals includes quite a few carcinogens as well as other substances that are generally bad for one's health.
Posted by Angry in Amwaj, Amwaj, Bahrain on Wednesday 23 April 2008 at 10:14 UAE time
Every time a person smokes, they affect not only their own health, but the health of those around them. Yes, a smoker is not only producing this disturbing noxious assortment within their own environment, but also the environment of any unfortunate individuals in close proximity. This means, I'm within breathing distance of a smoker, I'm also breathing in toxic detritus with possible adverse effects on my own health.
Drinking does not immediately adversely affect others within the drinker's proximity. It is true that alcohol abuse can, in some instances, affect others; an inebriated driver can be a danger to other drivers or pedestrians; an alcoholic can cause emotional or psychological distress to his or her family and friends, etc. Yet unlike smokers, if you're sitting next to a person who is drinking, they're not invading your environment with a flood of toxic substances.
The bottom line is that smoking is disgusting. In essence, one is igniting a collection of combustible materials, and inhaling the resulting toxic gases into one's system. This revolting collection of chemicals includes quite a few carcinogens as well as other substances that are generally bad for one's health.
ban it all
Posted by DON GREER on Tuesday 22 April 2008 at 23:15 UAE time
What a great idea; no drinking on airplanes because it is offensive for whatever reason. But why stop there? What about perfume? Some is too strong and some just unpleasant. Ban perfume because it offends. What about body odor? It definitely offends! Ban it. What about greasy hair? Who wants that on the seat next to them? It also offends. Ban it. What about poor dress? Now who wants to sit beside somebody that is poorly dressed? Ban them. What about over weight. Who wants to share an arm rest with a fat person? Ban fat people from flying. What about people that bring their own food on the plane? Ban that. Gum sticks to everything. Who really needs gum on a plane? Ban It. What about the person that uses a laptop on a plane. That is really bothersome; ban it too. Should a person be allowed to take their shoes off during a flight? Possible smelly feet there; ban it. Then there is that person that gets up to pee during a flight; hold it in or pay a penalty, or just ban it altogether. What about talking on a flight? That is really annoying; ban it. A baby crying on a flight is quite disturbing; ban having a baby on board. A person next to you with halitosis is terrible; ban it. What a slippery slope. It is no wonder private jets are becoming so popular again. On a private jet one can ban it all!
Posted by DON GREER on Tuesday 22 April 2008 at 23:15 UAE time
What a great idea; no drinking on airplanes because it is offensive for whatever reason. But why stop there? What about perfume? Some is too strong and some just unpleasant. Ban perfume because it offends. What about body odor? It definitely offends! Ban it. What about greasy hair? Who wants that on the seat next to them? It also offends. Ban it. What about poor dress? Now who wants to sit beside somebody that is poorly dressed? Ban them. What about over weight. Who wants to share an arm rest with a fat person? Ban fat people from flying. What about people that bring their own food on the plane? Ban that. Gum sticks to everything. Who really needs gum on a plane? Ban It. What about the person that uses a laptop on a plane. That is really bothersome; ban it too. Should a person be allowed to take their shoes off during a flight? Possible smelly feet there; ban it. Then there is that person that gets up to pee during a flight; hold it in or pay a penalty, or just ban it altogether. What about talking on a flight? That is really annoying; ban it. A baby crying on a flight is quite disturbing; ban having a baby on board. A person next to you with halitosis is terrible; ban it. What a slippery slope. It is no wonder private jets are becoming so popular again. On a private jet one can ban it all!
Well - let's see shall we?
Posted by David, Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday 22 April 2008 at 20:11 UAE time
Whilst I respect one's belief, you really have to ask a simple question: 'Are the same Islamist MP's wiling to offset the costs of NOT serving alcohol to non-Muslims on International flights?' - if they are, this will fly - if they're not, the airline WON'T. I'm not saying that this is the largest contributory factor why they're losing a million dollars a day, but look around you - many of the other GCC states do serve alcohol on their flights...simply because they lose business if they don't!. I've lived in GCC countries and many expats will agree with me that they won't fly a carrier if they don't offer alcohol, but while I'm working and living there I don't touch a drop - out of respect. Subjectively, I can see the MP's point of view where it impacts on the carriers' workers - but then that's a personal choice - if you don't like what the carriers' doing then QUIT YOUR JOB. Nobody held a gun to your head at the interview, so why the sudden change yet they're all happy receiving their big fat paychecks at the end of the month aren't they?.
And as for you Waheed, your arguments are baseless and shallow at best - you know full well that there are many Muslims who DO drink alcohol, many of them in public and if you don't think I'm being upfront just sit on many an Emirates or a Qatar (or even a GF) flight - and see for yourself...
Posted by David, Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday 22 April 2008 at 20:11 UAE time
Whilst I respect one's belief, you really have to ask a simple question: 'Are the same Islamist MP's wiling to offset the costs of NOT serving alcohol to non-Muslims on International flights?' - if they are, this will fly - if they're not, the airline WON'T. I'm not saying that this is the largest contributory factor why they're losing a million dollars a day, but look around you - many of the other GCC states do serve alcohol on their flights...simply because they lose business if they don't!. I've lived in GCC countries and many expats will agree with me that they won't fly a carrier if they don't offer alcohol, but while I'm working and living there I don't touch a drop - out of respect. Subjectively, I can see the MP's point of view where it impacts on the carriers' workers - but then that's a personal choice - if you don't like what the carriers' doing then QUIT YOUR JOB. Nobody held a gun to your head at the interview, so why the sudden change yet they're all happy receiving their big fat paychecks at the end of the month aren't they?.
And as for you Waheed, your arguments are baseless and shallow at best - you know full well that there are many Muslims who DO drink alcohol, many of them in public and if you don't think I'm being upfront just sit on many an Emirates or a Qatar (or even a GF) flight - and see for yourself...
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