The first step towards opening up Bermuda's airport to duty-free sales has been taken.

For a new bill to legalise sales of liquor, tobacco and other goods on-site and allow for warehouse storage at the airport has been brought before the House of Assembly.

And yesterday Charles Gosling, spokesman for Gosling Brothers, who successfully bid for an airport concession, said it was hoped to have the firm's two stores up and running by March next year.

He said: "I was hoping to be open three months ago -- I would really hope to open as soon as possible.

"Everything has been on hold since we got the approval as concessionaire for this.

"We really didn't want to put in the money to create and dress up two shops to the quality the airport authorities are demanding just to sit idle.'' And he added Government was unwilling to guarantee the expenses of building the two shops on trust, which also delayed the start-up date.

Currently, duty-free liquor has to be bought in advance from a normal outlet and picked up at the airport prior to departure.

And Mr. Gosling predicted the rules change could provide a major boost to the duty-free market -- which has been in decline for 20 years.

He said: "If we are able to operate as other duty-free shops are operated, the duty-free market should double in Bermuda -- that should make it a very healthy market.'' Mr. Gosling added that the shops would be open to cater for flight times.

And he said: "We could open 24 hours a day, seven days a week if that need ever arises. We want to be able to really maximise our retail operations.

"With our closing-off times, it has been a painful operation, both for us and the consumer.'' Gosling's have already arranged a joint contract with Duty Free International as the minority partner in the airport venture.

It is planned to replicate a traditional Front Street flavour in a bid to create a uniquely Bermudian atmosphere.

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