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Airports Hope for Decision Today Whether Transport Canada Will Ease Restrictions

Posted on: Friday, 18 August 2006, 15:00 CDT

TORONTO (CP) - Airport authorities across Canada are hoping for a decision today on whether Transport Canada will relax its stringent security rules and let passengers carry duty-free purchases on board.

A Greater Toronto Airport Authority spokesman says airport authorities are hoping Transport Canada will change its policy on duty free items.

Scott Armstrong says airports get revenue from duty-free sales of alcohol, cosmetics and perfumes, which are now banned from carry-on baggage - a ban has led to a sharp drop in sales.

Some duty-free stores in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Calgary have shut operations since the ban was instituted.

Armstrong says the rules technically expire tonight at 8 p.m. ET and a decision is expected before then.

Canada, and countries around the globe, banned nearly all liquids and gels from carry-on airline baggage on Aug. 10 after authorities in the United Kingdom thwarted an alleged terrorist attack using such everyday items to carry explosives aboard planes.

Reports suggest Transport Canada might allow passengers have their duty-free purchases handed to them by staff just prior to their flight.

Source: Canadian Press

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