Sir, - The case for the abolition of duty-free has not convinced the public, but there are certainly two reforms that should meet with general approval.
Firstly, duty-free shops at airports should sell to incoming travellers, not to those departing. It is irrational to let people acquire additional, and in many cases inflammable, baggage just before they board an aeroplane. Besides the inconvenience and possible danger involved, there is the additional weight which must surely impose costs which eventually add to the price of flying.
Secondly, there is no defence for selling tobacco products duty-free under any circumstances. It makes a mockery of public health objectives, and especially of the taxes put in place to achieve them, if we purport to discourage smoking while letting those who happen to travel acquire tobacco at less than half its determined price. - Yours, etc., Kevin Ryan,
College of Informatics and Electronics, University of Limerick.