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13 November 2014

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The Squeeze

You are in: Kent > The Squeeze > The end of the booze cruise?

A P&O ferry battling the storms at Dover

The end of the booze cruise?

As the value of the pound against the euro falls to record lows, what now for the famous booze-cruise?

Trade is said to be down by as much as 50 percent at some cash and carry stores in France with fewer shoppers hopping across the Channel and snapping up as many bargains as they may have done in the past.

And it's no wonder if you compare December 2008 prices with the same time last year:

A six bottle box of Bordeaux red wine at approximately 20 euros:
December 2007 = £14.30 - December 2008 = £18.20

A three course meal for two in the Champs Elysees district of Paris at 80 euros:
December 2007 = £57.18 - December 2008 = £72.80

A case of beer at approximately 15 euros:
December 2007 = £10.72 - December 2008 = £13.65

A ticket for the Musee du Louvre in Paris at 13 euros:
December 2007 = £8.30 - December 2008 = £11.83

Ten packets of 20 cigarettes at approximate 43 euros:
December 2007 = £30.74 - December 2008 = £39.13

A double room in the city centre of Brussels at 65 euros:
December 2007 = £46.47 December 2008 = £59.15

(These prices were calculated as per currency rates on 17 December 2008)

last updated: 18/12/2008 at 12:52
created: 18/12/2008

Have Your Say

Have you been to Europe lately? How did prices compare for you? Tell us about your shopping and holiday experiences on the continent.

The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted.

MIKE LEWIS WILLIAMS
Yes the squeeze will effect the Brits crossing to Europe,but the Europeans will start coming this way.It's about time that UK joins the community properly so as to take advantage of being in Europe.We are either in or out,not inbetween!!
Wed Dec 31 15:50:57 2008

Gerald Adams
We went to Bruge (Belgium) in December. The prices were astronomic. A pint of Beer was between £5 and £6 (for ordinary lager). In one restaurant we had two small lagers and two mulled wines and the bill was 30 Euros. Considering the exchange rate on the Ferry was 1.08 Euros to the pound, that was a very expensive drink. The price of food was unbelievable. We usually go to Belgium at least 8 times a year. We will not be going to Belgium in 2009.
Fri Dec 19 11:58:08 2008

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