Luxembourg, Nov 23 - The European Union's top court ruled on Thursday that individuals must pay domestic customs duties when buying alcohol from another member state and having it delivered to their home.
In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice upheld a 1992 EU rule that duty is charged only in the member state where goods are bought for personal use -- but only if transported by the purchaser.
The decision means the future of so-called "booze cruises" is assured.
The ruling will come as a relief to cash-conscious finance ministries in about nine EU states, who had been awaiting the decision to see what impact it could have on revenues.
The decision goes against the opinion of an adviser to the court, who had suggested individuals be allowed to buy alcohol in another country, have it delivered to their home and pay the duty only of the country where the alcohol was bought.