European Commissioners are giving up their right to tax-free tobacco, spirits and petrol…

Date: 30/09/1999

...and VAT-free consumer goods for personal use in a bid to dispel the institution's 'gravy train' image. The move, which comes after Commissioners were criticised for keeping their perks while EU governments ended duty-free shopping, was announced by Vice-President Neil Kinnock this week. However, new Commissioners will retain the right to buy VAT-free goods for up to a year after arriving in Brussels.