Hmmmm .... I think the major difference between the un-named middle eastern carrier offering this in First, and us offering it in First and business is the fact that they dont have 66 people to monitor in first. Where as on some configs we have 66 business class pax to monitor, and ever dwindling numbers of crew to monitor them.... it isnt possible to monitor how much all those people are consuming. And do we really want an out of control person on a plane, and out of control because we let them get that way by allowing them free reign on booze?
Under responsible service of alchohol laws in Australia, we are now personally legally liable (as well as the company) for what people consume on a licensed premesis ---- QF tells us this all the time, that it is OUR responsibility.
It would have made more sense to create a business class bar area that pax could go to, get served a drink and have a chat with their fellow pax, rather than have them serve themselves.... I could see a benefit in this, as people do want to stretch their legs and socialise a bit on long sectors.
Unfortunately, that sysytem would probably require more crew, and QF cant/ wont do that.... so we end up in this situation.
The business class bar is a great marketing exercise, but not a good operational one ....practicalities and laws sometimes get in the way of the marketing department
The only issue I have come accross with the J/C bar is that customers tend to do their duty-free shopping there..... any full bottles soon walk, as most pax see it as free and therefore not 'stealing'.