Internal Market for Transport Services

The EU Lisbon Summit on 23-24 March set as one of its objectives the setting of a strategy for removing barriers to the provision of transport services and further liberalization in the sector.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

Launch of New EU Website on E-Commerce

The EC Commission has launched a new interactive website so that the public can track latest developments in the EU's eEurope initiative and to encourage debate on e-commerce and access to the Internet. An on-line forum is also being planned to promote ADR in business and consumer disputes involving e-commerce. The website can be accessed at:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/information_society/eeurope/index_en.htm (Source: IP/00/320 and IP/00/312)

(Originally posted by John Downes)

Working Time Directive Extended to Transport Workers

Agreement has been reached to extend the Working Time Directive to a further 5 million workers in the EU. The decision was taken on April 3 and will now cover rail workers and those involved in air, road and inland waterway transport. They will have a right to rest periods, a limit on working hours per week and a minimum of 4 weeks' annual leave.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

IATA Initiatives on Disruptive Passengers

A Memorandum of Understanding and a set of IATA Guidelines have been adopted by by the major airlines and airports authorities to address the problem of disruptive passengers. An IATA Seminar in Geneva on 23 March attracted 140 delegates from 64 airlines and other industry associations. Protocols adopted by Gatwick Airport's Disruptive Passenger Action Group were put to those attending as good practice. The UK and Canada have launched public awareness campaigns to make clear what type of behaviour will not be tolerated and the legal and other consequences for those who engage in it.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

Dutch Bordello to Sue for Right to Open Branch at Airport

he Dutch Bordello, Yab Yum, threatened to sue for the right to provide a "relax service" at Schipol Airport for tired travellers. Schipol Airport had rejected their request as inappropriate to the overall philosophy of the airport.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

Tourism Minister may Face Charges

A Congressional Committee will determine on April 10 whether to remove immunity from prosecution from Tourism Minister, Oscar Espinosa. Mr Espinosa faces allegations of corruption amounting to 45 million dollars when Mayor of Mexico City.

(Originally posted by John Downes)

Radical Changes to Liquor Licensing Law

The Home Secretary has unveiled plans on April 10 to biggest changes to Liquor Law in England and Wales since 1915 (Scotland has its own system). These proposals include the removal of fixed opening hours and restrictions on Sunday opening. Those restrictions are thought to have encouraged binge drinking. There would also be greater access to pubs for children. This latter measure would reflect mainland European practise and is thought will encourage tourism.
Responsibility for licensing would be transferred from magistrates courts to local government authorities. They would be empowered to impose conditions such as the use of closed circuit TV, employment of registered security guards and soundproofing of premises.
The new law would also contain tough penalties for those engaged in violent or drunken behaviour and those who run unrully premises.

(Originally posted by John Downes)