Originally Posted by
airspeed75
It's all a fine line isn't it and it depends on the person's history surely?
If the person is a habitual alcoholic (imo the most likely scenario for reporting to such a drop under the influence/ OR drinking on the job) then the person's life would likely be improved in the long term by being forced to face the issue; would likely qualify for help from the airline (it's no longer the case where you just sack an alcoholic and that's that) and they'd perhaps benefit into the future.
If the person just showed up after a very late night with her pals drinking (less likely at 41 as opposed to 21) then yes a quiet word would perhaps be more appropriate.
If the person randomly just decided this was the flight they'd have a few miniatures then a stern talking to is also perhaps appropriate but it's still gross misconduct and a slap in the face to flight safety so I'd probably report it.
As some folk have said - being a Captain brings with it responsibility for the safety of the rest of the crew and the passengers.
A logical post, but it's not just the person's history. The Captain's ability to assess and act with a degree of compassion is also required. Life is not always about saving your own bacon as posted here earlier.