My pig can sit in the front.
Posted on 04/16/2007 2:06:51 PM PDT by ButThreeLeftsDo
The operator of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Monday approved tougher penalties for cabdrivers who refuse service to travelers carrying alcohol, as some Muslim drivers have done for religious reasons.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission voted to suspend a driver's airport taxi license for 30 days for the first offense and revoke it for two years for a second offense. The new penalties take effect May 11.
Airport officials say more than 70 percent of the cabbies at the airport are Muslim, and many of them claim Islamic law prohibits them from giving rides to people carrying alcohol.
Under the old rules, a driver who refused to transport someone carrying alcohol would be told to go to the back of the taxicab line. Airport officials said that since January 2002, there have been more than 4,800 instances of a driver refusing service because a customer possessed, or was suspected of possessing, alcohol.
The dispute has been simmering for months.
One pilot program had drivers who wouldn't transport alcohol display a different top light on their cab, but the public's reaction was overwhelmingly negative and other taxi drivers who feared it would make travelers avoid taxis altogether.
On Monday, cab driver Abdinoor Dolal called the penalties punitive and asked commissioners to take a measured approach. Other drivers urged the commissioners to vote against the new penalties and consider compromises.
However, commissioners said the new penalties were needed to ensure customers get safe and reliable taxi service at the airport.
"Today's action will strengthen compliance with our taxicab ordinance and ensure people who seek taxi service receive it," said MAC Executive Director Jeff Hamiel in a news release.
And he WILL have something to say.
Ping for your list.
L
Excellent! About flipping time common-sense prevailed.
We’ll see how long it lasts...
Say no more. That is about 69% more than I am comfortable with...rent a car instead, but check the undercarriage first for explosives.
A "measured" approach? Sure, take a fifth, or a shot, or a jigger,...
I am glad common sense prevaled! The weirdest part of this whole situation is that most people who purchase alcohol have it in there carry on or luggage and really would not have it in sight. I suppose a few here and there buy it at the store on the way out of the airport, but I would think it would be rare.
I’ve heard of instances there where they refused to take blind passengers with guide dogs because the dogs are dirty..(I have no proof or links to back that up)..
Hah!!
What is the status of these Muslim cabbies transporting blind people with seeing-eye dogs?
You can’t buy it coming out of the airport. These folks are bringing from elsewhere in the country of from duty free overseas. But many times it’s carried in a plastic bag from duty free, in plain sight.
My pig can sit in the front.
That is true, G. Dawg.
He is stupid enough to actually say something after getting elected by being moot.
The operator of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Monday approved tougher penalties for cabdrivers who refuse service to travelers carrying alcohol, as some Muslim drivers have done for religious reasons.
The state should have maintained it's standards when giving them a license to drive!
They cannot refuse any fares. Blind or transporting alcohol.
Period.
They will sue tomorrow
|
Well...duh!
Someone forgot to send Mr. Dolal the memo. LOL!
“They will sue tomorrow”
They will lose, just like the “Flyin’ Imams” will.
Give ME a ride KarlInOhio!
I could do better AND pay you for your efforts! (ruff,ruff) ; - )
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