Do you need to show your boarding pass when purchasing items at an airport?

[turkeyfoot]

Hi

In general the answer is no. With one exception.
I was recently reminded of this annoying proceedure at Glasgow Airport

When you purchase goods the reason you are asked for your pass is so that the store can claim back VAT.
A large percentage of WH Smith's profits at airport outlets is the VAT refunds.
I tried to refuse to show my boarding pass to puchase a newspaper and a bottle of water etc. I asked why, and was told it is HMRC rules. Told them this is not true and the reason why, but they refused to serve me. So once again I had to concede to their demand. I find it very annoying.

The exception is that if you purchase from an actual Duty Free Outlet you can  purchase duty free goods if you are   leaving  the UK. It is HMRC rules that proof has to be provided you are actually leaving the UK, hence you need to show your boarding pass.
This includes goods you are taking into the EU  from Jan 2021.

Geoff