Actually, it wouldn't take that creative of a lawyer to create the liability. The same liability (Dram Shop) that applies to a Bar/Tavern/Restraunt would apply to an airline. All that would need to be proven is that the driver, was served alcohol by the airline, and that serving of the drink is the proximate cause of the damage. Actually, the airline may be in a worse position because, in many cases, the drinks are provided for free. I think the primary reason that we haven't seen it occur from an airline side, is that the numbers of people driving from the airport after a flight and drinking are statistically lower than from a bar. A significant percentage of airline passengers are driven to and from the airport. This alone would limit the occurance of any actions.

As for DUI/DWI/OUI convictions in the US. As far as I know, these never leave your driving record. The points associated with them leave after a period of time, but the conviction never leaves, as it is a criminal conviction, and is not considered a petty crime, where your record can be expunged.

However, the OP point is a good one for those of us who choose to drink. What happens in our personal lives, can have a dramatic effect on our professional lives. If you cannot drive or rent a car because of a DUI, then your employer can terminate you, because you cannot meet your job requiremets. Honestly, how many of us have gotten by when we probably shouldn't have? I know I am guilty (and not proud of it). But this does send a message home to those of us. the comercial here in the US from Bud or Miller "Think before you drink" is a good one. Thanks for posting the story.