Booze cruises are growing in popularity despite fears that Brexit could destroy the tradition, with record numbers taking the ferry to France to stock up on duty-free booze

Booze cruises are becoming increasingly popular despite fears that Brexit will destroy the tradition.

Ferry operators have reported record numbers of people taking the ferry to France for a day to stock up on duty-free alcohol.

There were concerns that Britain’s departure from the EU would mean an end to the convention and people would flock across the English Channel to get cheap alcoholic drinks.

But Brexit also meant a revival of tax exemption rights in January 2021, enabling Britons to receive a VAT refund on products. The decision to leave the EU also allowed duty-free sales on Channel ferries and in ports.

Steve Newbery, director of on-board services at ferry operator DFDS, told The Times: “We can certainly see an increased demand in the number of people wanting to cross to France to take advantage of the duty-free service.”

Employees prepare stock at a Majestic Wine warehouse in Calais, France

“Since 2021, demand for our short holiday rates has more than tripled, while day trips have more than doubled since offering began in 2022.”

DFDS opened the doors to two large duty-free shops in the ports of Calais and Dunkirk at the end of 2021, sparking fears among wine merchants in those areas.

Under new laws, Britons can import 42 liters of beer, 18 liters of still wine and 4 liters of spirits or 9 liters of sparkling wine, fortified wine or other alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content of less than 22 per cent duty free into the UK.

Among the big savings on offer in Calais is a 1-litre bottle of Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila sold by DFDS for £13.99 – the same bottle costs £33.93 on Amazon.

Meanwhile, P&O Cruises also said it had received a boost from duty-free sales, The Times reported.

British shopper David Thomas from Kent fills his shopping basket with cheap wine and beer in Calais, France

Businesses around Calais have benefited from the new rules, which also apply to items costing more than €100.01.

In 2019, Britons were reported to have crossed the English Channel to fill up on cheap French booze in what was dubbed the last “booze cruise” ahead of a possible no-deal deal from the European Union.

The “drink cruise” phenomenon began in the 1990s when British families traveled to Calais to pick up bargains or stop off on their way back from holidays.

Tracey Keane-Charlut, duty free store manager at DFDS, said: “Since the reintroduction of duty free, we have clearly seen our customers change their spending habits and buy more products when they visit the mainland.”