In these inclement financial times, it is nice to know exactly when & where large amounts of money can be saved. It doesn’t matter whether you entitle your ‘hard earned’ as money, wonga, wongamoola, shekels, dosh, wedge, shrapnel, holdin’ foldin’ or simply cash, if you can be in a position to save a few bob (and do it legally) then the opportunity needs to be taken.
We have all been watching “Smokin Hot” with his remarkable ‘Nothing 2 Declare‘ blogs concerning the sometimes unsavoury antics of UKBA (United Kingdom Border Agency) and I’ have no doubt that I am not the only one that is fascinated by his exploits with the ‘stasi of the sea ports’! The man undoubtedly knows his onions-so to speak.
Having had several conversations with ‘SH‘ via emails etc we have an incredible development which I am duty bound to inform all who wish to listen and learn
‘SH‘ is quite happy to accompany any small group (say 6-10 people) on a cross channel shopping trip to Belgium whereby you (or anyone) can avail yourselves of a year’s supply of tobacco in one go! Now what is wrong with that idea?
In truth, absolutely nothing for it is legal, yes legal, in fact, TOTALLY LEGAL!
‘SH‘ informs me that as he knows “P&O Ferries from Hull to Zeebrugge would be approx £65 per person and involve 2 nights on the ferry. For example, … leave Hull on Saturday teatime and return to Hull by Mon @ 08.00, the ferry runs every day. You get a cabin and when in Zeebrugge you can leave your belongings in the cabin. You are in Brugge from approx 10.00 till 17.00 hrs. The tobacco shop is in town centre and you can pre-order (no deposit needed) and then pay in sterling. The ship also sells tobacco but it is limited stock.”
Once in Zeebrugge apparently, there is a coach to take you to Brugge, it costs 13 Euros return per person but ‘SH’ has also offered (numbers suiting) “to take the Merc and do the transfers myself.”
People would obviously need to get themselves to Hull, thus people from a similar area, sharing vehicles would immediately keep costs down. It is also blatantly obvious that keeping to UKBA guidelines (follow ‘SHs‘ lead here) the tremendous benefits are for a smoker as follows:-
Using Golden Virginia as an example; 3kg bought from Asda would be £845.40 (60 x 50g @ 14.09).
The same 3kg bought from Belgium would be £276 (60 x 50g @ £4.60). Just under £600 saving less cost of trip!
Prices Belgium (no longer available)
Prices onboard ferry (no longer available)
You really do not have to be Einstein to figure out that a trip across the water is now an essential part of a smoker’s armoury to avenge this countries disdain for smokers. The tobacco you bring back is for personal use only, it is for yourself-nobody else. On that point alone you cannot be accused of smuggling or ‘buying for financial gain’ as it is sometimes quaintly termed!
In actual fact, YOU are doing THEM (UKBA) a favour as you are legally bringing in tobacco and you have no intention of selling it on as you will be using it yourself-therefore you do not need the criminal gangs ‘a knocking at your door’ for sales!
Looking at it another way (and I do like this), you are exercising your freedom to choose–your choice being NOT to buy it in your country of birth as they have got too greedy and no longer deserve your custom! You are, by going to Belgium, making a pointed stand against this usury by your own government-and they already acknowledge that 20%-21% of hand rolling tobacco used in this country has no revenue collected from it! Some admission that is from the ‘ever greedy’!
Now I already hear some of the doubters screaming foul play, smuggling, illegal etc etc, but please, just think about it.
What is illegal about it – NOTHING!
Where is the foul play – NOWHERE!
What is being smuggled – NOTHING!
‘SH’ even has the knowledge of the paperwork you might need, if challenged back at Hull, but if you read his blog you will soon see that lately ‘they’ have given him a wide berth due to embarrassments caused through complaints!
This is a marvellous opportunity to show ‘lawful rebellion’ to those who dictate. A couple of nights out, a few beers, maybe a seminar on the ferry, freedom2choose T-Shirt for the driver, stock up with your personal tobacco needs and save well over a ‘monkey’- and all legally too!
That is the offer for those living north of Coventry. For those living toward the south ‘SH‘ has offered his services from Dover! – what more could you wish for folks?
Now then, who wants to book for the first trip?