What makes up the majority of Duty Free sales? Liquor and purfume - but those can not be carried on board! And I read that Bath and Body had to close most all their stores due to the ban!

So who is being hurt?

I can understand (maybe) not being allowed to carry liquids through security, but if you purchase something (like coffee or soda) past security, why can't it be taken on the plane? (I thought this was a so-called sterile area? )

I may be wrong, but I never saw a sign at the Starbucks counter by the gate advertising "explosives"! I only see many different coffees!