Brits invade France for cheap plonk

About 1993 and the start of the single market, Britons welcome the removal of customs limitations.
They go to the Calais supermarkets and stock up cheap alcohols and cigarettes.
Floods of British come for a day-trip and buy a lot of alcohol, cigarettes, wines, spirits...

Alcohols and cigarettes prices are between a third and a half those in Britain.
It's hard for the french supermarkets to increase demand.
British travel compagnies are offering special one day trips to the calais supermarkets.
(a 10 percent increase in bookings for the first three months.

Supermarkets are extanding its sections.
But don't drink and drive.
The vehicles are overloading, remarks the Royal Automobile Club.
And people musn't try their purchases before they get home.
...

plonk: le vin ordinaire
removal: la suppression (the removal of custom limitations).
Customs: douaniers
eager to: impatient
To take advantage of
stock to up on: faire ses provisions
to hit: atteindre
laden to the hilt: chargé comme un mulet
Single Market: le marché unique
fortified wine: vin très alcoolisé
flood: le flot
raid to: dévaliser
head to home: rentrer à la maison
tide: la marée
booze: la boisson alcoolisée
to hail: saluer
spill to over: déborder
can: la boite

to work out: découvrir
increased demand: demande accrue
makeshift: de fortune
concerned: inquiet
to pile: empiler, entasser
allowance: la quantité autorisée
spokesman: le porte parole
spree: la fête
on a shopping spree: une folle envie de faire des achats