EU ruling may lead to cheaper alcohol and cigarettes

Irish people will reportedly be able to buy unlimited amounts of cheap alcohol and cigarettes from other EU states under a European Court of Justice ruling due next week.

Reports this morning say the court is expected to rule that citizens of one member state can buy unlimited amounts of goods from another state while only paying the duties levied in the country of origin.

The decision could reportedly save Irish people huge sums of money, with 200 cigarettes costing just €10.70 in Lativa and a bottle of whiskey just €12 in Spain.

The court ruling is also expected to allow people to make such cross-border purchases over the Internet and via mail-order firms.

At present, the Revenue Commissioners impose limits on the amount of cigarettes and alcohol Irish people can bring into the country - 800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer.