Originally Posted by
Metro man
Shops were asking for boarding passes so that they could claim back the VAT on sales to departing passengers. This went straight into their pockets and wasn't passed on. Stories were run in newspapers encouraging people buying from airside shops such as WHSmith, to refuse to show their boarding pass when paying.
Just been to LAX through Gatwick & my daughter wanted to buy some upmarket cosmetics. There was only one price displayed. The assistant did ask for my boarding card, which clearly stated I was going to a non-EU country.
I asked her firstly why she wanted it and secondly why they don't have two prices for everything (which would be correct if they are passing on the tax savings to the customer).
She said that the store claims does not pay tax to HMRC on those sales ex-EU, and then uses those "savings" to lower process for everyone.
Believe that?