wants to run food and drink concessions at the Airport.

Sir John, through Grape Bay Ltd, had been recommended to run four food and beverage concessions -- including a McDonald's -- but the bid was stymied by the anti-franchise Prohibited Restaurant Bill.

Now Transport Minister Wayne Furbert is to write to Sir John asking if he still wants to set up shop at the Airport and run the concessions without a franchised hamburger restaurant.

"The ball is now in Grape Bay's hands,'' said Mr. Furbert. "If they are not interested, the concessions will be retendered.'' The decision to write was taken at a Cabinet meeting yesterday and comes in the wake of the passage of the Prohibited Restaurant Bill which outlaws fast food franchises.

It had been recommended that Grape Bay Ltd., trading as McDonald's, be given the food and beverage concession at the Airport.

Mr. Furbert was hoping to lay the Grape Bay lease before the House of Assembly this Friday, but the earliest it can now be presented will be next February when the House reconvenes after its Christmas break.

It could mean a delay in opening the food and beverage concessions, which are due to be ready by next May.

Yesterday Mr. Furbert added: "I will be writing to Grape Bay Ltd. to ask whether they want to continue with the food and beverage concession in the light of what Parliament has said in regard to McDonald's.'' He said it was hoped a decision could be reached quickly as the concessions are due to open next May.

"They can still operate a fast food place but it cannot be associated with any franchise. If Grape Bay is not interested the concession will be retendered.'' Sir John and his partner in Grape Bay, Government backbench MP Maxwell Burgess, have remained tightlipped over their future plans saying they are assessing the situation.