FRANCE. French politicians are to vote this week on whether to put an end to all duty free tobacco sales in the country’s airports.
An amendment to Article 568 of the Tax Code has been tabled to that effect and will be debated in France’s National Assembly tomorrow, with a vote following in the evening or on Wednesday morning.
The travel retail industry is arguing strongly against the amendment, which can be viewed online, saying it would be catastrophic for airports and ferry operators.
A European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) spokesperson noted that duty free tobacco sales only accounted for a minor percentage of total sales in the country and so a ban would have “no real impact” on improving public health and only airports, ferry routes and retailers would suffer should the amendment be passed.
However ETRC is cautiously optimistic that politicians will vote against the amendment.
Image: Assembleé Nationale
