ELOM:2023:028 | Stewardess under the influence of alcohol | North Holland
Decision: 24 November 2023 PPS North Holland
Aviation case category: Major commercial air transport
Formal links: -/-
Content indication: Settlement concerning a flight attendant of foreign airline after alcohol consumption.
PPS Decision
in the case against a stewardess of a foreign airline, referred to below as the suspect.
Reason for the investigation
The investigation was launched following findings during a regular alcohol check at Schiphol Airport.
Suspected offence
Violation of 2.12(3) opening words under a of the Aviation Act.
Facts and circumstances
Based on the aviation police report, it can be established that on [date in the year] 2023, the suspect was preparing to start work on board an aircraft as a stewardess of a foreign airline. A breath test was conducted when the result of a preliminary breathalyser test showed an alcohol reading above the legal limit. The result of that breathalyser test was 105 µg/l (micrograms of alcohol per litre of air exhaled).
The suspect stated that she had dinner with the entire crew the night before and then consumed several glasses of wine.
Decision
Working on board an aircraft under the influence of alcohol, which includes pre-flight preparations, is punishable as a criminal offence. For cabin crew and a result between 95 and 120 µg/l, the Directive on criminal procedure for aviation laws and regulations starts out from a fine of €275. The suspect was given a settlement offer in that amount. The suspect accepted that proposal.