No alchohol in islamic taxis

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

This story seems to be taking up some time in our local news media here.

story here

Basically the airport is mad at the local taxi drivers because they are refusing to transport passengers carrying alchohol because it is against their religion.

My first thought on this was “Is this really a problem? How often does this even occur?” Apparently around 100 times a month according to the article.

I’m totally puzzled by this and have to ask how often the average person arriving in Minneapolis is carrying alchohol with them in plain view? With me the answer would be… never. Even if I’m coming back from Jamaica with a bottle of rum it’s probably going to be packed away in my luggage. Are people really trying to catch cabs carrying a case of beer with them or have a bottle of vodka in one hand and their suitcase in the other?

Sorry but I just can’t picture a scenario where this can be such a huge issue. What’s the deal here?

2

Actually, it doesn’t specify that it’s only in plain view the cabbies object to. I could see it - the cab driver asks you “Are you carrying liquor?” And you automatically respond “Yes.” Even if it’s deep in your suitcase.

Kicking someone off the cab for that seems very stupid. You don’t even know if they’re drinking it themselves or giving it as a gift. However, I would not want to be forced to lie every time, or remember to lie. I’m always too tired after the flight to remember such things anyway.

I absolutely agree that they can make their own choice and not transport the liquor-bearers - and then go to the end of the damn line and wait if they have to. How much does one’s religion have to be pushed into the public sector?

3

Alchohol. That’s like alcohol, right?

4

It’s what you call it after partaking. :stuck_out_tongue:

5

Taxis can be islamic? How can you tell?

6

Probably half of my vacation trips wind up with me bringing back alcohol, most often wine. My international vacations, the percentage is even higher.

I have no problem with the cab drivers being able to refuse to carry alcohol. But they should have to move to the back of the queue, and their employers should have the right to fire them, if it turns out that the cab company is losing business over it.

7

Next I suppose they’ll object to my pet pig!

8

This issue has been discussed before, IIRC that’s exactly what happens… they just move to the back of the queue, or passengers take the next cab in line.

9

I often see people carrying liquor in boxes plainly marked, usually purchased from a duty free type shop.

10

Nope, they don’t move to the back of the queue. They keep their place in the front of the line.

11

So a Muslim-driven taxi carrying a rabbi and a priest crashes into a bar…

12

And the bartender says, “What is this - some kind of a joke?!”