EU in court move to protect booze cruises

Brussels will today take the Treasury to court to protect the rights of Britain's cross-Channel booze cruisers. European officials have rejected a last-minute compromise by Gordon Brown over the impounding of cheaper cigarettes and wine brought from France to Britain.

Mr Brown had reportedly offered to end strict measures such as confiscating cars and their contents-But Frits Bolkensteinthe EU's internal market commissioner, said he had lost patience with the Treasury's "foot dragging".

Unless there is an 11thhour concession from Mr Brown, the Commissioner will take Britain to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. The EU says the Treasury'sheavy-handed and "disproportionate" penalties are frightening off legitimate shoppers.

Customs officers say they are seizing goods only if they suspect the rules are being exploited by people bringing in vast quantities of alcohol and tobacco which cannot be only for their own use.

A Treasury spokesman said: "We are very close to a deal with the Commission."