French restaurateurs barricade borders in protest over taxes
Police used tear gas to clear border crossings and Channel ports blocked by French restaurateurs. They were protesting across the country against taxes which they said gave fast-food restaurants an unequal advantage.
Traditional restaurants have to charge VAT of 19.6%, while those selling fast food can charge 5.5% on take-away food.
The restaurateurs set up barricades at the crossings into Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain, causing long traffic tailbacks.
They also sealed off ferry exits at Cherbourg, Caen, St Malo and Roscoff.