LAGs workshop tackles political resistance

Gavin Lipsith

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Representatives from regional trade associations discussed the obstacles to easing the global liquids transfer issue in Cannes yesterday

Regional trade associations discussed the way forward on resolving the liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) issue at an informal meeting at the TFWA World Exhibition yesterday. Representatives from the European Travel Retail Council (ETRC), the Middle East Duty Free Association (MEDFA), the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA), the International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) and South American trade association ASUTIL presented a round-up of developments in their respective regions and discussed the political obstacles to gaining recognition from the European Commission.

MEDFA president Anthony Chalhoub started the discussion by saying that operators in the Middle East had contacted their governments, but that they seemed disinterested in the issue. He said that Abu Dhabi was likely to apply for formal recognition of its liquids security measures at airports soon, as would Bahrain. But he was not hopeful for prospects in Egypt or Kuwait. “We are urging all operators to help us out by contacting their governments, lobbying or even speaking to the press about this issue,” he told delegates.

IAADFS president Alberto Motta reported that Argentina had already applied for recognition, but said that the US Transportation Security Administration restrictions were a far more pressing regional issue, affecting sales on flights from South America to the US but not vice versa. Walter Zeinal spoke on behalf of ASUTIL, explaining that some of the countries there were reluctant to “come on their knees” to the European Commission, saying that the wider political implications of dialogue with Europe were dissuading them. “It’s not just about duty-free, it’s about rice, meat and a lot of other things. It’s about exports and what Europe gives these countries.”

APTRA LAGs coordinator Rakhita Jayawardena explained that there were three systems in place across Asia/Pacific. While some countries allow passengers to transfer with liquid purchases if they are in a sealed, tamper-evident bag, others such as Japan and India, do not allow it under any circumstances. And Australia has its own set of restrictions, including imposing gate delivery at the point of departure and rescreening at the last point of transfer.

ETRC president Frank O’Connell led a rigorous question and answer session and warned that the association had only enough campaign funds to last about two months.