Whenever we travel out of the country, we get excited.
Yes, we’re excited to leave the hot weather in Singapore behind for a while and escape to another country, but we’re also excited about something else.
That’s right. Duty-free liquor and tobacco.
Who doesn’t love it when you’re indulging in something that is tax-free? Especially on alcohol where it’s a huge cut off the price? If you’re not, your friend’s probably going to borrow your passport to buy one more bottle.
But wait a minute.
Changi Airport Group has just said that Duty-Free Shops (DFS) will be closing down by 2020 after 38 years in operation.
Not Worth It
DFS’s lease at Changi Airport will be expiring on June 2020. And they will not be renewing their lease.
The reason? It’s no longer financially viable after the changes in government regulations regarding liquor and tobacco.
One of which was to have a standardised packaging for all tobacco products and to have larger graphics warning images on the packaging.
Another one is the reduction of alcohol purchase from 3 litres to 2 litres. And finally, the amount of GST relief has been reduced as well.
In other words, all these will result in a drop in sales. (So, not financially viable anymore.)
But that doesn’t mean DFS is totally out of Singapore.
While the outlet at Changi is shutting down, DFS will continue with operations at T Galleria and Singapore Cruise Centre.
DFS will also be continuing with their luxury store at Changi Airport.
Now, before you cry and moan in a corner like my editor is doing right now, know this:
Duty-Free Shopping For Liquor & Tobacco Still Available
Thankfully, in another press release, Changi Airport Group mentioned that there will be another operator for liquor and tobacco products.
Three companies have submitted their bids for the rights to operate duty-free shopping in the airport:
For the Korean-siao, there’s Lotte Duty Free and The Shilla Duty Free of South Korea. And from Germany, there’s Gebr Heinemann.
And the best part? They’ll be working closely to “ensure a smooth transition” between the two operators.
Chances are, duty-free shopping isn’t going to be disrupted. At all.
So fans, you can be relieved now. We will still be able to get our duty-free liquor and tobacco products!
So long, DFS@Changi. You’ve served us well.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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