Looks like no cheep Beer, spirits and wine online for the UK

From the BBC - "EU blocks low-duty alcohol online"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6175646.stm

There was fear/delight that it would be legal for spirits, beer, wine and tabacco products could be imported via mail order to the UK where the duty paid to the government on said items is very high.

But today the EU saw fit to stop this.

Shoppers wishing to get the benefit of buying cheaper goods abroad have to accompany the goods back themselves.

It had been feared a ruling going the other way would have hit thousands of UK retailers, could have spelled the end for the "booze cruise" and forced the UK goverment to recoup lost tax in other ways.

Good thing or bad thing - not quite sure.