The Metropolitan Airports Commission will take public input during a hearing today about a proposal to crack down on taxi drivers who turn away passengers carrying alcohol.

Some Muslim drivers, citing their faith, have refused to carry riders who have alcohol with them. Airport rules prohibit drivers from turning away passengers unless they are drunk, under the influence of drugs or threatening the driver's safety.

Under the proposed change, drivers who refuse a customer would be given a 30-day suspension for the first offense and a two-year revocation of their airport license for a second infraction.

Current rules require a cabdriver who refuses a customer to go to the end of the taxi line — which can mean a three- to four-hour wait for the next fare.

The public hearing will begin at 2 p.m. in the Chippewa Room of the Ramada Mall of America, 2300 E. American Blvd., in Bloomington. It is expected to last into the early evening.

The commission will vote on the issue at a later meeting. For questions about the hearing, call 612-726-5568.

— Emily Gurnon

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/16789913.htm