Old Brits in Drunken Fracas: Foreign Office

Drunken brawls among young Brits during the holiday season are well-known but in a shocking news the Foreign Office said that British over-55 years are joining their younger counterparts in getting into trouble while abroad.

British embassies abroad are having to cope with a growing number of incidents involving the older generation, as well as the traditional lager louts who get themselves arrested or hospitalized following drunken pranks.

A survey showed that 20 percent of over-55s try activities abroad that they would not do at home, while almost two-thirds admitted to not taking out travel insurance.

'The Foreign Office is all for over-55s having fun on holiday, but it is crucial that they make some simple preparations to help avoid encountering difficulties whilst abroad,' said Foreign Office Minister Meg Munn.

'Acquiring adequate travel insurance is a must and health scares abroad can be avoided by visiting a GP (doctor) and having a health check before embarking on a holiday,' she added.

More than half drink more alcohol while on holiday than at home.

'Most problems that we see with the older generation of Brits arise from over-consumption of alcohol and food,' said Rania Kossiori, British vice-consul on the Greek island of Rhodes.

'Drinking and staying too long in the sun can make you ill and undertaking strenuous activity like going swimming or snorkelling after a large meal can put you in unnecessary danger. People have drowned this way.'

She added: 'After one too many drinks people can become abusive, for example shouting at resort staff.

'We've also had instances where a few too many drinks has led older guests to over-estimate their strength, for example going swimming in bad weather conditions, which has ended in tragedy.'

Source-AFP
KAV/L