VICTORY FOR BRITISH BOOZE CRUISERS

5.47.11pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 10th May 2006

South East MEP Sharon Bowles has welcomed the UK Government's climb down over key aspects of a Customs policy that has seen many British tourists being accused of smuggling when bringing home cheap cigarettes and alcohol from abroad.

Following numerous complaints from constituents, Sharon has long sought action over the Government's unfair and indiscriminate policy of seizing any vehicle it chooses if it suspects the owner of importing goods such as tobacco and alcohol, other than for their own use. This has often meant that people on perfectly legal "booze cruises" to have their vehicles confiscated and in some instances even crushed.

The Commission had formally requested the UK to amend its sanctions policy. Upon being informed by the European Commission that it risked being referred to the European Court of Justice if it failed to change its ways, the UK amended its policy so that it will discontinue the policy unless in the case of repeat offenders.

Mrs Bowles said "I am delighted that after so much campaigning on this issue the Commission has forced the UK Government into changing this ridiculous policy. I have heard countless complaints from constituents who have had their vehicles seized for doing nothing more than bringing home alcohol and cigarettes for their own use, something they are well within their rights to do."

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