BRITISH 'BOOZE CRUISES' DEFENDED BY SOUTH EAST MEP
June 8, 2005 1:31 PM
Members of the European Parliament today defended the right of British tourists to bring home cheap cigarettes and alcohol from their holidays in the EU.
Many UK shoppers who have been accused of smuggling have had their goods confiscated at UK ports. In some cases people who have been accused of smuggling have had their cars impounded and even crushed.
The report adopted by the European Parliament insists that the burden of proof should rest with customs officials, rather than the individual having to prove the goods were for personal use.
Sharon Bowles, Liberal Democrat MEP for South East said
"Some families returning from day trips to continental Europe have had their car impounded by UK customs officials for having large quantities of cigarettes or alcohol in their boot, despite it being for personal use. Often there has been no compensation and significant distress has been caused by having to make their way home without their car.
"Everyone understands the need to fight smuggling, but shoppers should not be put off buying goods anywhere in Europe because government policy leads to shoppers being unfairly treated by heavy-handed customs officials.
"It has become a well known fact the UK authorities are amongst those who are the most stringent in the interpretation of these guidelines.
"This result is great news for anyone who occasionally pops over to the Continent and takes advantage of cheaper prices".
Ends
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats