- Tradition has it that people flood the Channel to buy cheaper alcohol
Booze cruises have soared in popularity, despite fears that Brexit would destroy the tradition.
Ferry operators have reported that record numbers of people are taking the ferry to France for the day to stock up on duty-free alcohol.
Concerns had arisen that Britain's departure from the EU would mean an end to the convention, with people crossing the Channel in droves to get their hands on cheap alcoholic drinks.
But Brexit also meant a resurgence of tax-free rights in January 2021, allowing Britons to enjoy a VAT refund on products. The decision to leave the EU also allowed duty-free sales on Channel ferries and at ports.
Steve Newbery, director of onboard services for ferry company DFDS, said The times: 'We can certainly see an increase in demand in the number of people wanting to cross into France to enjoy the benefits of tax-free.
Customers pack their cars with wine boxes in the parking lot of the Calais Wine Superstore on April 7, 2019 in Calais, France
Staff prepare stock at a Majestic Wine warehouse in Calais, France
'Since 2021, demand for our short break rates has more than tripled, while day trips have more than doubled since we started offering them in 2022.'
DFDS opened the doors to two huge duty-free stores in the ports of Calais and Dunkirk in late 2021, stoking fear among wine merchants in those areas.
Under new laws, Britons can bring 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 percent into Britain without paying tax.
The huge savings on offer in Calais include a 1 liter bottle of Jose Cuervo Especial tequila being sold by DFDS for £13.99 – the same bottle costs £33.93 on Amazon.
Meanwhile, P&O Cruises also said they have received a boost from duty-free sales, The Times reported.
British shopper David Thomas from Kent fills his shopping cart with cheap wine and beer in Calais, France
Businesses around Calais have benefited from the recent rules, which also apply to items costing more than €100.01.
In 2019, it was reported that Britons were crossing the Channel to stock up on cheap French alcohol on what was dubbed the last 'booze cruise' before a possible no-deal exit from the European Union.
The 'booze cruise' phenomenon first started in the 1990s, when British families made the trip to Calais to score bargains or make a stopover on the way back from holiday.
Tracey Keane-Charlut, manager of the duty free shop at DFDS, said: 'Since the reintroduction of duty free, we can clearly see our customers changing their spending behavior and purchasing more products when they visit the continent.'