Almost 200 Laid Off At Airport Duty Free Shops As New Regulations Hit Business
Posted August 17, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Travellers can longer board a flight with items they once took for granted.
Security has been severely tightened at terminals around the world.
And the inevitable took place on Wednesday, when nearly 200 workers at duty free stores in airports across Canada were given layoff notices. Seven of those buy-before-you-fly shops were at Pearson International Airport, and only five are still open. Their status remains precarious at best.
The outlets have lost an estimated $1 million in just four days, after new regulations banning liquids and other items went into effect at airports around the country.
An alleged plot to smuggle liquid explosives onto planes led to the new prohibitions, and they’ve hit the duty free shops like one of those supposed bombs.
Most of their profits come from items like liquor and perfume and passengers have no reason to buy what they can’t take with them.
But travellers at Pearson will be able to bring some duty-free booze and perfumes on board after rules were relaxed on Friday.
“As of 3am ET on Saturday morning the sale of liquids, gels and aerosols at duty-free stores at Canadian airports will be…restored for passengers travelling on most international flights, with some restrictions,” Transport Canada spokeswoman Vanessa Vermette confirms.
“We’ve put in place additional security measures, some that are going to be visible to the public, and some not, in order to allow for the sale(s)… to resume.”
But items from duty free shops are the only things allowed. Passengers must still pack all gels and liquids brought from home in their luggage or they won’t be able to board.
New List Of Banned Items In Carry-On Luggage For Canadian Airlines
- Any liquids or gels,
- Shampoo,
- Suntan lotion or sunblock,
- Toothpaste,
- Hair gel,
- Skin creams or other creams,
- Aerosol sprays, including insect repellent, hairspray and deodorant
- All beverages, including bottled water and juice.
Exceptions:
- Baby formula,
- Breast milk in bottles,
- Juice for a small child,
- Prescription medicine that matches the name on the ticket or boarding pass,
- Insulin,
- Essential over the counter medicine.
