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.

Nor are there the HMRC staff to check (or are they Border Force now?)

Border Force ought to be recruiting NOW so that they can train the new staff before March 2019. Unfortunately, zero chance of that being done in a timely fashion.

Wasn't it from 1941 Churchill et al were planning the future of Europe after the war was over and they had won?

No such forethought now it would seem.

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?

Thanks for your contribution Bozzey and welcome to the forum - although it looks like you've been lurking for a while??!!

No, "I don't believe it?!"