No cheap alcohol to be sold online

The European Court of Justice has blocked consumers from buying lower-duty alcoholic beverages and cigarettes online from other countries.

The shock decision means 'booze cruises' - where Brits make special trips across the Channel to stock up on cheap drink and ciggies in France - will live on.

The European Court of Justice said in a statement: "Products subject to excise duty purchased by persons who are not authorised warehouse-keepers or registered or non-registered traders and dispatched or transported directly or indirectly by the vendor or on his behalf shall be liable to excise duty in the Member State of destination."

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While bricks-and-mortar retailers will welcome the ruling, the news will no doubt disappointment both e-tailers and online shoppers hoping to stock up on cheap cigarettes and alcohol for the festive season.