PEOPLE wanting to buy cheap alcohol and tobacco will still have to travel to the continent to do so.

That's the result of a decision by the European Court of Justice today which ruled against allowing people to buy the goods online from other countries at lower duties. Shoppers still have to accompany the goods back themselves.

Ferry operators were pleased with the ruling as they had feared it could have signalled the end of the booze cruise business.

The European Court of Justice judges ruled that "only products acquired and transported personally by private individuals are exempt from excise duty in the member state of importation".

The case had been taken to the court by a Dutch wine club who objected to being charged duty on a lorry-load of wine delivered from France.

Kent Liberal Democrat MEP Sharon Bowles expressed her disappointment at the ruling.

"Unfortunately, Christmas has not come early for bargain shoppers," she said. "Those wanting to take advantage of cheaper prices abroad will still have to drive over to the Continent, buy their goods first hand and bring them back themselves.

"Those fortunate to live close to the Channel have long been able to take advantage of daytrips to France, but unfortunately the possibility of opening this up to more than just the privileged few through internet or telephone ordering has now been lost.

"Those hoping to stock up on alcohol for Christmas will have to carry on the booze cruise in the traditional way for the foreseeable future."