The Sun is claiming victory in its "booze cruise" campaign.

British shoppers returning from the European mainland armed with cheap cigarettes and alcohol will no longer have to prove that they are for their personal consumption, ministers announced last night.

"A historic victory to stop Customs bullies picking on booze cruise day trippers," proclaims the tabloid's front page.

The government said the new stance would meet many of the objections raised by judges following High Court criticism of the methods used by customs officers.

In rare accord with the Sun, Brussels commissioners welcomed the move, insisting that cross-border shopping is a fundamental right under EU law.

"Now fill your boots," the newspaper urges its readers.