The European Commission has started European law infringement proceedings against the UK government. The EC is formally demanding confirmation the UK will continue to seize alcohol brought into the country from other EU states by citizens shipping alcohol for other people, but not for profit.

If so, Brussels may launch action at the European Court of Justice. It has begun similar action against Spain, where customs officers have been seizing Spanish duty-paid alcohol from departing holidaymakers who are transporting more than a maximum quantity set by Madrid.