Discussion and Alcohol Discussed at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Panel

A debate Tuesday was marked by talk of religion and alcohol as the Metropolitan Airports Commission considered the possibility of penalties for taxi drivers refusing to carry passengers who were holding alcohol. The discussion of the subject was started by a group of Muslim taxi drivers at the airport who had refused such passengers and, on occasion, passengers with seeing eye dogs.

The hearing, which lasted all afternoon and into the night hours, testimony was given on a newly-proposed rule that would impose penalties on taxi drivers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport who refuse customers for religious - or other - reasons.

Staffers at the Airports Commission have said that tougher penalties are needed to ensure reliable cab service to all people at the airport.

"Our stance is first come, first served," said airport director Steve Wareham. "The message is if you want to drive a taxicab at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, you will serve all customers."

"This is discrimination," proclaimed Ahmed Shine, a taxi driver for seven years. Ironically, in claiming discrimination, Shine is ignoring his wishes to discriminate against others.

There were also veiled threats at the meeting. Abdifatah Abdi, speaking on behalf of an association of cabdrivers, said the commissioners "will be judged on your decision. You are deciding the livelihood of 600 drivers and their families," Abdi said. "Say no to discrimination. Say yes to justice for the weak."

Among those weak seeking justice are the roughly 100 people who are denied cab service each month at the airport. Many are refused by drivers who will not transport alcohol in their cabs. Roughly 700 of the 900 taxi drivers at the airport are Somali, and many of them Muslims.

Last year, the Minneapolis Airport Commission received a fatwa, which is a religious edict, from the Minnesota chapter of the Muslim American Society. The fatwa said: "Islamic jurisprudence" prohibits taxi drivers from carrying customers with alcohol "because it involves cooperating in sin according to Islam."