FOOD AND DRINK

Booze cruisers defy Brexit with record number of trips

There had been suggestions that Britain’s exit from the European Union would kill off the tradition
Ben Clatworthy
, Transport Correspondent
The Times
Britons are still partial to a quick dash across the Channel to buy cheap alcohol
Britons are still partial to a quick dash across the Channel to buy cheap alcohol
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP
Ben Clatworthy
, Transport Correspondent
The Times

The booze cruise has defied Brexit, with record numbers of Britons flocking across the Channel to stock up on cheaper alcohol.

Ferry operators have reported a surge in the number of people crossing the short straits on day trips, predominantly to take advantage of duty-free shopping.

There were suggestions that Britain’s departure from the European Union would kill off the tradition of making the hop to load up the car with cheaper wine and beer. With it went the ability to bring home unlimited alcohol — for personal consumption — stoking the worries of wine merchants situated around Calais.

The number of people taking daytrips to France has increased since 2021
The number of people taking daytrips to France has increased since 2021
SYLVAIN LEFEVRE/GETTY

Brexit, however, also heralded the reintroduction of duty-free allowances in January 2021, allowing Britons to receive a VAT refund on purchases. It also gave the green