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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| EU to rule on mail-order alcohol | EU to rule on mail-order alcohol |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| European Union judges are to deliver a ruling in a case that could change the way shoppers buy alcohol and tobacco. | European Union judges are to deliver a ruling in a case that could change the way shoppers buy alcohol and tobacco. |
| The case has been brought by a Dutchman who challenged duties charged in his home country on wine that he had transported from France. | The case has been brought by a Dutchman who challenged duties charged in his home country on wine that he had transported from France. |
| The ruling will decide whether taxes should be paid at home or abroad. | The ruling will decide whether taxes should be paid at home or abroad. |
| It could have a big effect in the UK, where taxes are high and many Britons travel to mainland Europe on "booze cruises" for cheaper alcohol. | |
| The decision is also expected to impact on internet shopping. | The decision is also expected to impact on internet shopping. |
| Wine lovers | Wine lovers |
| The Dutch challenge, by BF Joustra, is based on a group of wine lovers arranging for the transport of wine from a French vineyard. | The Dutch challenge, by BF Joustra, is based on a group of wine lovers arranging for the transport of wine from a French vineyard. |
| The EU court must decide whether someone who buys alcohol or tobacco from another country, and arranges for it to be delivered to their door, can avoid paying excise duty in his or her home country. | The EU court must decide whether someone who buys alcohol or tobacco from another country, and arranges for it to be delivered to their door, can avoid paying excise duty in his or her home country. |
| Britain, Sweden and Denmark are among the most highly taxed and citizens often travel abroad to stock up at lower rates. | Britain, Sweden and Denmark are among the most highly taxed and citizens often travel abroad to stock up at lower rates. |
| EU law currently says tax should be charged at the rate of the country of purchase and allows customers to take goods home if they carry them themselves and they are for personal use. | EU law currently says tax should be charged at the rate of the country of purchase and allows customers to take goods home if they carry them themselves and they are for personal use. |
| The UK could stand to lose most by a change in the law. | The UK could stand to lose most by a change in the law. |
| A carton of cigarettes bought at Latvian rates, for example, would be seven times cheaper than in the UK. | A carton of cigarettes bought at Latvian rates, for example, would be seven times cheaper than in the UK. |